How do you check a wheel bearing?

Hi All

I have a noisy bearing on my 2000 Freelander diesel. I think (read hope) its a wheel bearing as the pitch changes when you turn the steering wheel. It gets louder if you turn to the right.

Normally on a car I would just jack it up and spin the wheel and see which one the noise was coming from. But you can't do that on these 4x4 things can you? It is quite noisy so maybe there will be some play in it and I'll be able to tell that way. If not how can you check the wheel bearing?

Many thanks.

If the noise gets louder when you turn to the right it will be the front near side bearing as it is under load when turning right, the noise should greatly reduce when you steer left. hope this helps.

Spyderman said:

If the noise gets louder when you turn to the right it will be the front near side bearing as it is under load when turning right, the noise should greatly reduce when you steer left. hope this helps.

Click to expand...

It does help. Many thanks.

have a look at the tyres and see if they are wearing evenly, 9 times out of 10 its tyre noise and not wheel bearings, freelanders are prone to "stepping" the tyres and when they do its can make a terrible racket that sounds like a wheel bearing

clutchdust said:

have a look at the tyres and see if they are wearing evenly, 9 times out of 10 its tyre noise and not wheel bearings, freelanders are prone to "stepping" the tyres and when they do its can make a terrible racket that sounds like a wheel bearing

Click to expand...

Hi
The tyres are worn on the inside like you say. But would it still change pitch when turning the wheel whilst driving?

It could also be the CV joint...

Taipan said:

Hi
The tyres are worn on the inside like you say. But would it still change pitch when turning the wheel whilst driving?

Click to expand...

yes it will and it normally gets louder when you brake and the car comes to a stop

ShotgunDrew said:

It could also be the CV joint...

Click to expand...

CV joints, when worn, normally click rapidly when pulling away with the steering turned, usually when pulling out of a junction

clutchdust said:

yes it will and it normally gets louder when you brake and the car comes to a stop

Click to expand...

Incredible! But i'll bow to your knowledge here and I've ordered a couple of new tyres today. it needs them anyway, so I may as well fit them before lobbing out on wheel bearings!

I love Land Rovers!

Thanks for the top advice. Ordered up two new 16"Wranglers (£125 delivered) and had them fitted today. Noise gone! i didn't doubt your credentials or anything I just couldn't get how the bearing noise could be tyres, but you were right!

Many thanks.

Thats our Clutchdust - Wisdom of the Universe - all in one concise package

The Mad Hat Man said:

Thats our Clutchdust - Wisdom of the Universe - all in one concise package

Click to expand...

Could be improved upon though. He could live next door and do free private work!

as he keeps his address hidden (wise man) we will nevva know.

Just to add my two penneth

I had a wheel bearing go (my own fault )
didnt tighten the castle nut enough when fitting the lift kit but that another story

For info (based on experience)
When the front bearings go you get a real loud metally graunchy type of noise. Very different from tyre wear rumbles.

yo Hippoo back yet? PJ

All fixed and working well
Fingers, toes, legs, and arms crossed

start saving, PJ