RE: [Musical Bimmers ?]Re: Humming 528e

["Fadeev, Alex" <Alex.Fadeev@xxxxxxx>]

"Andrew C. Stoffel" <acs@domain.elided> sez:
>
>    >From: "Fadeev, Alex" <Alex.Fadeev@domain.elided>
>    >Lee,
>    >Your LEFT-front wheel bearing is worn out.
>    >Have it replaced, or if they are anything like fron E30 
>    >wheel bearings, replace it yourself and save $200+
> 
>    If this is REALLY the sign of a worn wheel bearing....
> 
>    I would have thought it was the OTHER wheel ? I can rationalize it
>    either way but an explanation would be great...

  The logic goes like this: when you _unload_ the bearing, it hums less.
When you _load_ it with extra weight (turning) it shows its age more. This
is less pronounced on rear wheel bearings, but holds true nonetheless.
  Now, as you turn the wheel to the right, you turn right and the LEFT wheel
bearing is fully loaded. 
  As you turn the wheel to the left, you turn ... left and your ... RIGHT
wheel bearing is now loaded with more weight (left wheel in the air if your
car is stiff enough and you are turning hard enough ;-).
  Thus me thinks it's the LEFT front wheel bearing.

>    And if one were willing to do it themselves, how hard is it without
>    that $215 tool places like Bav. Auto sell for this purpose ?

You need the wheel bearing pooler (+ power tools, + a lot of balls) to do
the rear wheel bearings. I've seen my mechanic do this, and I would NOT try
this at home even if I had all the tools! 
The front wheel bearings (at least on E30s) are a DIY job.

alex f

P.S.: The wheel bearing will rarely be so worn that you could actually
induce a play in the wheel. 

>    Thanks
> 
>    -Andy-
> 
>    Lee M wrote:
>    >
>    >  Hi everyone,
>    >
>    >   Hopefully someone can help me diagnose a problem I am 
>    >   having with my 85 528e 126k. There is a loud humming 
>    >   sound coming from the front end.
>    >   The faster I go, the louder it gets. The strange thing 
>    >   is if I turn the wheel to the right it will also become
>    >   louder, but if I turn to the left it completely goes away.
>    >  >
>    >  > Lee Mullican
>    >  > 85 528e 126k

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