Dragging caliper or wheel bearing?

[jw 325ic]

Okay so my car's been making the sound of a wheel bearing, but I'm not sure if it may be the rear or not. I haven't had anyone ride in it lately to help pick out if the noise is coming from the front or rear...but it did seem to get louder when turning right at 40+ mph, which makes me think it's at least on the drivers side.

Also, if I barely press on the brake pedal the noise goes away. But here's what I've done so far:

new front right FAG wheel bearing/hub - installed a few years ago
new front left FAG wheel bearing/hub - installed 2 weeks ago
new rear discs/pads - installed a few days ago

When I installed the new front hub, I didn't notice anything with the brakes that looked out of whack. But when I was installing the hub, the outside bearing cover popped off and a ball got out of place. I put it back in place, put more wheel bearing grease in there and installed it. It seems to be working fine but there's still the noise.

When I did my rear discs, I thought I heard a noise that would tell me it was the rear wheel bearing, but it was hard to tell. The wheel still moves freely. Thoughts/advice? I'm about to get a loan to get an e46 or something while this thing sits for a bit. Getting frustrated especially since I haven't had time to get my AC working before the TX summer.

[cabriodster87]

\ But when I was installing the hub, the outside bearing cover popped off and a ball got out of place.

Big Red flag.

[MrSlacker]

Easiest way is to put the car on jack stands and spin each wheel individually. If you hear a noise, its your bearing. If can't spin a wheel, you have a seized caliper. Also inspect your rotors/pads for abnormal wear.

[Dakotademon7]

Jack the wheel off the ground and grab each side of the tire . Rock the tire side to side and feel for play.

[oliver.r]

for sure sounds like a bearing to me

[jlevie]

A noise that goes away when you touch the brakes just about has to be from a caliper.

A noise that is worse when turning left or right just about has to be a wheel bearing.

In this case it sounds like there may be both a brake and bearing problem.

[jw 325ic]

A noise that goes away when you touch the brakes just about has to be from a caliper.

A noise that is worse when turning left or right just about has to be a wheel bearing.

In this case it sounds like there may be both a brake and bearing problem.

That's what I'm thinking too. I suppose it looks like I'll be getting another hub/bearing and maybe a rebuilt caliper unless I do it myself. The outer bearing cover came off so easily that I figured it was supposed to be like that and that the hub nut would keep it in place once tightened. But looking at the original hub, there was no gap where you could see the balls. The FAG hub/bearing has a gap...

Thanks everyone for the responses. I didn't see anything wrong with the front caliper or rotor, but just sounded like it could be it. I'll take it all apart this weekend and get a good look. Still thinking about that e46 to keep the e30 off daily duty :twisted:

[jw 325ic]

Bump...

Bought an e46 daily and have been letting the e30 sit during the week. Ive been driving it on weekend evenings and noticed now it makes the whining noise only when turning or after turning at low speeds. I still have plenty of PS fluid and no leaks. Does this sound like a pump or rack failure? It turns smooth still as if there is still plenty of lubrication. When it whines, i'll brake and straighten it out, and the whine goes away until i let off, making me think maybe its the caliper...anyone have an idea?

Edit: its a pretty dry sounding noise too if that makes sense. I may have to take a video

[jlevie]

Big Red flag.

Yep, at that point you should have stopped and gotten another hub.

[jw 325ic]

I know i know but it was my only car at the time and i needed it for monday. But to be honest, the wheel bearing seems fine now. It almost seems like its the caliper or rack/pump whining now. I dunno...just glad its not pulling daily duty anymore...

[jw 325ic]

Starting to think its not the bearing or caliper at all. Still not sure though but in high humidity, especially, as soon as i pull out of my parking spot and turn the wheel it whines. In the case of tonight, i turned it right, then left passing center position, and it made the noise in both directions. After getting up to speed the noise goes away. Any ideas?

[ahlem]

What are you using for power steering fluid? What shape are your caliper guide pins in? What happens when you gently pull up on your parking brake? Any bends on your backing plates? I'm guessing you need to give a backing plate a wedgie to get some clearance.

[jw 325ic]

The dust plate? I think i bent that one back more when i did the bearing. The guide pins seemed fine as well. Ive only ever used ATF for steering fluid.

Although i did remember this last night...another red flag, my splash guard has been off for years. So the last year if i hit a puddle the steering would lock up as if it had no power steering at all. Then the belt would chirp and would be good again.