quick wheel bearing question

[E30 Wagen]

I'm starting to think my front wheel bearings are failing. They sound loud, noise changes while cornering, ect. But, would failing wheel bearings contribute any vibration to be felt in the steering wheel at highway speeds? Also, when I hit the brakes hard going 65+ the front end has been feeling pretty shaky. Would this be a symptom of failing wheel bearings too?

[Jand3rson]

Failing wheel bearings would most definitely create a vibration, usually starting at about 45 mph or so. Most people describe the sound of wheel bearings failing as what sounds like excessive road noise, or a metallic spinning sound. Some of the symptoms you are describing also sound like worn control arm ball joints and/or bushings, possibly tie rod ends, also. Are you getting clunking sounds, as well?

[etxxz]

great info summary! + rep points for you!

[E30 Wagen]

Fortunately, i'm not getting any clunking sounds.

what i'm frustrated with is that I also have a noisy diff and loud tires, so it's hard to distinguish where all the sound is coming from. It's driving me crazy! Mostly what I have to go on is that there is a vibration in the steering wheel, and the noise is kind of like a metallic spinning sound, so yeah, how you described.

Yay for not having a job and slowly running out of money because of my damn car needing shit

[Jand3rson]

Fortunately, i'm not getting any clunking sounds.

what i'm frustrated with is that I also have a noisy diff and loud tires, so it's hard to distinguish where all the sound is coming from. It's driving me crazy! Mostly what I have to go on is that there is a vibration in the steering wheel, and the noise is kind of like a metallic spinning sound, so yeah, how you described.

Yay for not having a job and slowly running out of money because of my damn car needing shit

Definitely sounds like front wheel bearings. The new bearing cartridge comes as a sealed unit with a new wheel hub. They're about $100 per side from BMA, and super easy to change out. I did both of my fronts in under 2 hours. Call BMA and ask to talk to Patrick. Tell him you're from R3VLimited, you'll get a discount. :up:

[E30 Wagen]

Definitely sounds like front wheel bearings. The new bearing cartridge comes as a sealed unit with a new wheel hub. They're about $100 per side from BMA, and super easy to change out. I did both of my fronts in under 2 hours. Call BMA and ask to talk to Patrick. Tell him you're from R3VLimited, you'll get a discount. :up:

Thanks! I'll check that out!

[2002maniac]

I just got some from Flying Brick Performance

for $75 each. Plus I think they are forum advertisers (correct me if I'm wrong Josh)

BMA's prices arent as competetive as they used to be. You could call them up and they will match prices, but that can be a hassle.

[Jand3rson]

I didn't know Flying Brick even sold them, that's an awesome price.

[2002maniac]

Yea, the only annoying part could be that they only take paypal.