duffWL

I've had a sound coming from what seems to be the front left of my car the last few weeks. At first I thought it was the snows just making some more road noise than I was used to. Then I noticed it got a little worse when taking a right hand turn. The sound goes away when taking a left hand turn, but is still present when going straight.You can only hear the sound at speed. I thought it may be some slightly loose lugs, but they are all tight. It has now also developed a bit of a shimmy in the steering wheel. What do you guys think? I'm thinking wheel bearing, but how would I verify this?

SteveAngry

Jack up left front of car, Grab wheel with both hands by 3 and 9 o'clock and wiggle. Also try wiggling at 6 and 12.

A real bad wheel bearing should make itself known by this method.

A bearing just going bad or barely worn will require you to remove the brake calipers and rotor and then turn the hub by hand while listening carefully...

Steve
Michigan

jlstwich

I just replaced a wheel bearing last year to find the strut completely shot. The strut rod was rattling inside the body of the shock. I don't know why I hadn't noticed it before. I guess because the other side was still good.