First off, my questions about wheel bearings in general. My mechanic thinks at least one is bad and causing the noise, but I'm not so sure it's the bearings and don't want to pay to get them done if that's not it. However, it seems there may be several noises and one could be the bearings. We're talking about the front passenger side here.
I've got an 01 Sentra SE, with 71k on it:
-how long do they usually last? If it's about time for new one's anyhow and I get them replaced and the noise isn't fixed I won't feel as bad about it.
-if only one is bad should I just do both at the same time?
-is aftermarket ok? He quoted me 67.00 bucks for the part and 125 installed, per side. I asked about the brand as normally I like to research online for price and quality. It was a 3 letter initial brand with a lifetime warranty, but I can't recal the name. Maybe it was SKF as he said they were an OEM supplier. Is OEM necessary or are there some good aftermarkets that could be recommended? It seems for that price I could get OEM, but it's the hassle factor and this guy supposedly does good work at a good price and I don't want to **** around too much with telling him to return a part and let me order, etc...
-should the hubs be done as well? Any other parts to get? I've seen reference to snap rings, dust seals and cotter pins, but would what's on there most likely still be ok?
-alignment needed afterwards?
-I'm guessing you can't tell if they are bad by looking at them?
About the noise. About a month ago I noticed my car getting louder, it was actually sudden on the highway one day. To me, it sounds like engine noise, just louder. Or a similar sound to when you have cupped tires. Like a roaring. It's really hard to figure though because it does seem tied to accelerating and when on the highway when letting of the gas as the engine winds down the noise does as well. I'd think if it was the bearings I'd still hear them roaring as my speed would still be quite high? One thing that does make me think it's the bearings is when making long, fast and somewhat sharp turns I do hear a noise...the type of turn you make when exiting the freeway. Also, the mechanic said he could feel the vibrating while he was on the passenger side during the test drive.
Thanks!
Anthony
I've got an 01 Sentra SE, with 71k on it:
-how long do they usually last? If it's about time for new one's anyhow and I get them replaced and the noise isn't fixed I won't feel as bad about it.
-if only one is bad should I just do both at the same time?
-is aftermarket ok? He quoted me 67.00 bucks for the part and 125 installed, per side. I asked about the brand as normally I like to research online for price and quality. It was a 3 letter initial brand with a lifetime warranty, but I can't recal the name. Maybe it was SKF as he said they were an OEM supplier. Is OEM necessary or are there some good aftermarkets that could be recommended? It seems for that price I could get OEM, but it's the hassle factor and this guy supposedly does good work at a good price and I don't want to **** around too much with telling him to return a part and let me order, etc...
-should the hubs be done as well? Any other parts to get? I've seen reference to snap rings, dust seals and cotter pins, but would what's on there most likely still be ok?
-alignment needed afterwards?
-I'm guessing you can't tell if they are bad by looking at them?
About the noise. About a month ago I noticed my car getting louder, it was actually sudden on the highway one day. To me, it sounds like engine noise, just louder. Or a similar sound to when you have cupped tires. Like a roaring. It's really hard to figure though because it does seem tied to accelerating and when on the highway when letting of the gas as the engine winds down the noise does as well. I'd think if it was the bearings I'd still hear them roaring as my speed would still be quite high? One thing that does make me think it's the bearings is when making long, fast and somewhat sharp turns I do hear a noise...the type of turn you make when exiting the freeway. Also, the mechanic said he could feel the vibrating while he was on the passenger side during the test drive.
Thanks!
Anthony
