Wheel Bearings

[dadart]

Hi all,

I have been getting a grinding noise from the front left tire recently (especially on cold mornings). As far as I can tell the bearings have gone bad and need to be replaced. According to everything that I have read there is a wheel bearing and a hub bearing that should be replaced; however when calling the local parts stores they find a listing for the wheel bearing but not the hub bearing. My question is are there two bearings on the front wheels (wheel and hub bearing) or just one? Am I on the right track with the front end noise? I have a 03 with 74,000 miles.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[dgc333]

The wheel bearing is in the hub. Some vehicles the bearing is sold separately from the hub and others the hub with the bearing is sold as a unit.

I did a quick search on the online parts store and the front bearing is sold separately from the hub. The rear bearings are sold as hub and bearing assembly. That may be the source of your confusion.

You will likely need a hydraulic press to get the old one out and the new one in.

[Nity9CavSedanCRJ]

I've noticed a nice little shimmy and a nice howling noise on the very cold mornings myself. I did a tranny flush with new filter and changed the oil this past saturday. I check the wheels for play and the driver side was solid but the passenger had some top to bottom and side to side play. Maybe 3/8th play. I'm only at 47K miles on my 03 Limited and i shouldn't have a bad wheel bearing yet. Is this a typical chrysler issue and should get rid of this thing ASAP? I'm already not happy i have to press these bearings in and out unlike my other car.

[dgc333]

Originally Posted by Nity9CavSedanCRJ

I'm already not happy i have to press these bearings in and out unlike my other car.

The vast majority of FWD cars require the front wheel bearings to be pressed out and in. Some have a bolt in hub bearing assembly but that design costs three or more times just the bearing.

[Nity9CavSedanCRJ]

Originally Posted by dgc333

The vast majority of FWD cars require the front wheel bearings to be pressed out and in. Some have a bolt in hub bearing assembly but that design costs three or more times just the bearing.

Yea, my cavalier is a whole hub assembly. Pricey yes, but i can change them in 30 min per side.