Rear bearings - possible symptom ?

[vernon.taylor]

Salut

Some wishful thinking here: I have a bad bearing (wheel, I hope) at the rear - noise and play, so I don't think there's any doubt. Could it possibly also manifest as vibration on take-off? First culprit is the clutch, of course and I have to see to the wheel bearing anyway. Just wondered if it was possible - always nice to have some hope in life

@+

Vernon

[david.g.chapman]

Hi Vernon,

I would not have thought the vibration would be caused by the rear bearing. However, it may still be something fairly simple like gearbox or engine mounts getting weak - the rubber coming away from the metal or cracking up.

If the vibration gets worse when the engine is hot (and the engine mounts soften even more) then that is another indication that mounts are to blame - inspect them closely.

Dave Chapman.

[alexblack13]

Not sure what is ment by 'vibration' here guys but a judder on clutch slip when moving off (vibration?) is more likely to be oil contamination of the clutch plate. A quite common symptom of a leaky rear seal.

Unlikely to be wheel bearings IMHO....

Al' .......

[collins_dan]

I am about to replace the rear suspension on my S4 and it would obviously be a good time to replace bearings as well, but only if they need it. What is the best way to test them? Thanks, Dan

[bast0n]

Dan

Whilst you have it in bits it always a good idea to replace the bearings. David

[AHM]

Dan

Whilst you have it in bits it always a good idea to replace the bearings. David

Unless you think the bearings are ok and don't fancy trying to get the hubs off the stubaxles, or pressing the stub axle out of the bearing carrier etc... spending all day and ?150

Dan,
Was there any bearing noise when you drove the car?
End float?
when you turn it does it feel rough?
Is there a metal disc covering the inner bearing
Does it look like the grease is coming out.

Why are you changing the suspension? is it because it is Knackered? then I would expect the bearings to be also and would agree with David

[collins_dan]

No noise. How do I check end float? Suspension is being replaced due to old shocks and an odd spring set up.

elan-f15/adjustable-rear-springs-how-t20093.html

Dan

[Gray]

Hi

In my experience wheel bearings failing tend to generate noise rather than vibrations. Much more noticeable with the hood up on DHCs.

Vibration could be the propshaft UJs failing.

If the suspension is apart and the wheel bearings are more than a few years old I would be inclined to change them.

Regards Gray