How to tell if hubs are bad?

some cazy hubs you speak of ;)

Instead of flashing, they will actually groan and moan possibly even whine, more so in long turns. :eek:
 
Yea there will also be play in the wheel when it is picked off the ground. And it kinda sounds like worn out brake pads.. metal to metal screetching
 
Hubs can't go bad but the bearings CAN! :D

I'm not sure how to tell when a HIB goes bad though....is that like HIV or something? :)

The easiest way to diagnose a bad bearing is you'll hear a humming while driving, and to determine which side you hear it on, slalom the car from side to side at the same speed in which you hear the noise. The sound will get louder when you put the weight of the car on it when you turn.

Also, like Max said, jack up the car and put your hands at 12 and 6 o'clock and try to wobble the wheel, checking for play. Then do the same at 9 and 3 o'clock. There should be no play and if there is, make sure ONLY the wheel is moving and not the entire spindle (i.e. bad ball joints).
 
Thanks for the help guys! I had my car up in the air the other day, and the hubs were a little tough to turn and the bearings didnt sound good. Sounded like a little metal to metal contact in there so I probably should just replace ALL the bearings anyway.
 
Metal to metal when you turned them? The brakes will drag when you turn the wheel...be SURE its the bearings. Usually with NO load on them, you won't hear a thing from the bearings, you will only feel play when you try to wobble the wheel.

I bet the noise is coming from the brake pads, and even possibly the metal sensor(tab) on the brake pad.
 
Thx J, i am about to replace the pads and rotors here soon. I should probably re-pack the bearings anyway.
 
well i guess thats that, lol. Actually i think i like the idea of not having to pack bearings.... very messy job. Thanks again guys!
 
Oh man...I hear you there...that was one of my least favorite jobs. I would go through 4 or 5 pairs of gloves just to keep my tools clean when I was repacking bearings. I know...a clean mechanic, ya right. haha I could eat off or in my tool box and use my wrenches as utinsels, haha.
 
J said:
Oh man...I hear you there...that was one of my least favorite jobs. I would go through 4 or 5 pairs of gloves just to keep my tools clean when I was repacking bearings. I know...a clean mechanic, ya right. haha I could eat off or in my tool box and use my wrenches as utinsels, haha.
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LOL, i usually do it bare handed with a lot of rags near by
 
Ewwwwww........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How do you pick your nose or drink a soda or go to the bathroom or get in the customers car after you're done!? :D
 
J said:
Ewwwwww........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How do you pick your nose or drink a soda or go to the bathroom or get in the customers car after you're done!? :D
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With a clean tool.

I'm on the grease monkey side. I don't believe in wearing gloves for auto repair work...and I wipe my hands on my work pants.
 
LMAO!

Ya....I'm more on the doctor steril side, haha. I like my Mark 8 to be clean when I get home from work.
 
I get around anything mechanical and any of the dirt or grease on it just jumps on me no matter what I'm wearing.
 
Well i usually wear clothes i dont mind getting dirty and grease on them. Clean rags, maybe a little carb cleaner to help get the grease off my hands, lol. (i know, i know its not good for you). I will clean up some before i actually get in my car, i like it to stay as clean as possible. If i were a mechanic for a living i would totally use gloves. Having greasy hands everyday gets old fast!
 
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