Rear Wheel Bearing

[Tweed]

Howdy folks,

I've been a bit quiet here for a (long) while, so thought I'd rejoin the fun with a little question:

I'm pretty sure I've got a wheel bearing gone nearside rear (whum-whum-whum noise, gets faster with speed... very much a bearing noise!), though had my MoT today and the fella said there was nothing wrong with it. Have got a coil fractured offside-rear and need a new nearside rear tyre, so I guess it could be related to either of those.

I was just wondering if anyone here had changed a rear bearing and how much of a hassle it is?

 

[AlanJ]

I'm not sure the MOT would pick up on a wheel bearing. You need to jack up the rear a spin each wheel - you can usually feel if the bearing has gone with your hand on the wheel as you turn it - it will feel lumpy as it turns with tight spots as the bearing seizes momentarily and there may be some lateral movement in the wheel if you rock it from side to side (see You Tube link below). If you think it's a bearing DONT DRIVE IT until you are sure - the heat generated by the seized bearing can cause the whole unit to seize and lock and then all sorts of nonsense can occur, worst case (or one of them) is the knackered bearing seizes in the trailing arm housing/mounting and then mega bucks etc etc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSsC-lWB1lg&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FOPkif5E6o&NR=1 and loads more on You Tube

Not too much hassle to change with the exception of removing the axle nut (collar nut on the ROEM link) and then torquing up on replacement to the corret setting. In the past when I have done this on other vehicles (not too many thankfully) I have replaced the nut just for safety/good measure.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BT32&mospid=47796&btnr=33_1140&hg=33&fg=40

 

[Tweed]

Cheers dude, going to do the coil at the weekend, so will check while it's up on stands.

Apparently it's an advisory on an MoT if the bearing's really bad... Though this chap did say that he wasn't sure about bearings as he'd never done one! Doesn't instill in me the greatest confidence! Think I'll be looking for a new independent for the next time I need one!