Front wheel bearing? - Benzworld.org

96e320 · 05-21-2007, 11:18 PM

Hey guys,

I'm new here.... Avid BMW guy who skipped over to the dark side and just picked up a 1996 E320 with 168K and needs some advice on a problem.

I think my front right (passenger) hub/wheel bearing needs to be fixed, or replaced.

It makes the "wha wha wha wha" rhythmic noise whose frequency increases with increase in speed. Also, the noise gets louder and more forceful when the steering wheel is turned to the right at speed.

Teach me about the front hubs/bearings on the W210 E320 and how I can solve this problem.

johnamoss · 05-21-2007, 11:34 PM

Welcome to benzworld! Please put your model & location in your profile: will help with future questions & answers as there are differences in builds from year to year as well as different countries.
I'll have to let an expert help you with the wheel bearing issue. Have you done a search in this particular forum?

Parrot of Doom · 05-22-2007, 10:37 AM

Jack that corner up, and try moving the wheel vertically-horizontally.

Also check that tyre, blisters can cause a similar sound.

**Musikmann** · 05-22-2007, 11:19 AM

Sorry to be non-specific, but at 168,000 miles it stands to reason that parts like that might be worn out. Play in the wheel would certainly narrow down the possibilities I think. I'd advise that you check the tire too, plus replacing that would cost you a bit less money. Good Luck, and welcome to the forum!

96e320 · 05-22-2007, 04:03 PM

Thanks guys. The front tires are new. Is the front wheel bearing removable/replaceable, or should it just be regreased?

gregs210 · 05-22-2007, 04:12 PM

Hi, 96, and welcome to the forum.

The wheel bearings are indeed replaceable. I don't know the torque spec, one of the guys with the online manual can probably get you that.

I haven't seen them sold separately, but autohausaz.com sells a complete wheel bearing kit for $24 per wheel (inner and outer bearings, plus the seal and the rotor lock screw, looks like the dust cap on some kits too), the image is below. At autohaus I'm sure you can find another $26 worth of stuff, at $50 shipping is free.

That said, at that age and with those symptoms I'd just replace it. Why bother pulling and greasing etc for that kind of money?

If you wanted further confirmation, just rotate the tires. If the noise is still there, you know it wasn't the wheel or tire.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

**Musikmann** · 05-22-2007, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregs210

I haven't seen them sold separately, but autohausaz.com sells a complete wheel bearing kit for $24 per wheel (inner and outer bearings, plus the seal and the rotor lock screw, looks like the dust cap on some kits too), the image is below. At autohaus I'm sure you can find another $26 worth of stuff, at $50 shipping is free.

Looks like I just put both of my feet into my big mouth about a tire costing less than a wheel bearing! Maybe a dealer doing the bearing job compared to a DIY new tire holds some water?

lkchris · 05-23-2007, 09:51 AM

I checked everything I could and finally took our previous 300E to mechanic for self-diagnosed "wheel bearing noise."

His response was "only thing wrong is you have Goodyear tires."

Michelins fixed itl

The statistical liklihood you have a tire problem is oodles and gobs greater than a likely wheel bearing problem. The latter are quite rare.

gregs210 · 05-23-2007, 05:42 PM

Hi, 96.

While generally I'd lean towards lkchris' comments, the fact that you just picked up the car (so you don't know it's history) and that it makes the noise only on one side leans me back more towards the wheel bearing.

Picking up an older one with lots of miles, you know you're going to be digging in to stuff, were it mine I'd probably just swap out the bearings on both sides so you know they're 100%, plus you can do a detailed inspection of suspension parts, rotor, caliper etc. while you're in there.

Oh, yeah, I heard somewhere on this forum that MBZ says you're supposed to replace the caliper mounting bolts when you R&R the caliper, so take that for what it's worth.

And if you're that far in, I'd probably swap the front pads for some Axxis Deluxe, a bit more expensive than stock, but longer lasting, better performing and, perhaps most important, much, much less dust.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

96e320 · 05-24-2007, 12:57 AM

Thanks guys. Well, I was 100% positive when I asked the question that it is a wheel bearing and owe a debt of gratitude to you Greg, for sourcing those bearings for me. I ordered a new pair earlier last evening and hopefully will receive them soon... Will report on results post-installation.