I have an 86 crx si with over 225k on the body/suspension. Recently I have been getting a loud "howling" noise from what seems like the driver side front end of my car. It's not loud when I am driving straight, but noticeable. When I turn right the noise gets much louder and when I turn left the noise goes away.

Within the past year I have replaced both rear wheel bearings due to a similar noise/vibration. There were also the same symptoms of only making the noise when turning a certain direction.

What are the signs of a bad front wheel bearing?
TIA

 

Usually the annoying sounds and vibrations

 

The back one's on my rex are shot, and it kinda sounds like i have a second louder exhaust...and the faster i go, the louder and higher pitched the noise gets. Sounds to me like we both could use some new bearings

 

225k? change the front bearing anyway, whether theyre grinding or not

 

tire? i `d try swaping front and back.

 

If the noise changes when turning the wheel (like you said) more than likly its a wheel bearing.

 

just make sure its not the indicator on the brakes :P

 

I thought so too. I have a spare set of spindles/hubs with god knows how many miles on them. I just wanted to hear some input before I throw those on there and have to spend some money on an alignment.

Thanks again for all the help.

 

UPDATE:

Well, I changed the front drivers' side bearing last weekend and it still made the same noise, vibration, etc.

Then last night it was getting a whole lot worse. I decided to take a look at the passenger side and sure enough I was able to rock the wheel back and forth about half an inch. Needless to say the bearing was phuct. I swapped it out with one I had laying around and now no more noises or vibrations.

 

OT. but I had a wheel bearing style noise in a kia once, I replaced the wheel bearing, (didnt fix it) replaced the axle (didnt fix it) replaced the tranny (didnt fix it) rotated the tires.. didnt fix it. Swapped tires with another car, and the noise was gone, (ya this car had 3500 miles on it)

So, never rule out tires, they make some werid *** noises!

back OT,

Good job getting your car fixed!