[bmw] RE: 535 rear end noise

["Doug Dykaar" <dykaar@xxxxxxxxxx>]

David,

You need to determine if the wheel bearing is bad, or if the CV joint is
bad. Once the rubber boot is torn, the grease leaks out, eventually followed
by the steel balls. A friend of mine backed his rabbit out of the drive way
and the rabbit pooped CV balls into the street.

A bad bearing will whine louder under load (don't we all), so turning should
increase the noise on the side with the suspect bearing. A failing CV will
make more noise under acceleration, i.e. greater load.

Removing your car from either the CV axle or the bearing will require a
manual, especially if you've never done it before.

Even though I have a fair amount of experience removing my car from various
bits, I have yet to do a rear wheel bearing.

If it is a CV, you may find it cheaper to replace the entire half shaft.

Finally, consider the other elements in the drive train, on my e28 535, the
drive shaft went south, and the rubber guibo has long since been replaced.

YMMV,

-doug

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2003 14:14:55 -0800
From:
Subject: [bmw] 535 rear end noise

Hi,

On my 89 535, for a while now, I hear this noise coming from the rear
wheels.  I suspect it is a rear wheel bearing.  The boot over the rear
axle has ripped as well.

Was wondering if some one has experience with fixing this and can tell
me how I can get to rear wheel bearing.  Also if the are other sources
for this kind of noise, I would appreciate your comments.

Thanks,

David
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