Hi All,

I have searched through the site but surprisingly couldnt find much out about the front wheel bearings and how to identify if one is knackered. My 55 plate 1.2 passed its MOT with no advisories re bearings but it has a noise from the front passenger side (i think) wheel akin to something being caught between the disc and pad. This gets louder when on left hand bends and dissapears completely when braking. Brakes have been cleaned and checked so all I can think of is a bearing. Anyone replaced these? Is it a reasonably straightforward job or does it involve pullers and a press? Any comments or thoughts gratefully received

Cheers

Really? No-one else had to replace a front wheel bearing?

In days past, I've improvised with chisels, spacers and a vice but for this job I think I'd just remove the hub and take it to somewhere with a press.

The attached description might help.

And you can get the bearing here.

jack car up put hands at 12 and 6 o'clock pull n push check for play, put hands at 9 and 3 o'clock and do the same, if there is play bearing has gone.

could be some thing simple like disc shield rubbing on disc.

Thanks for the responses / info guys - very much appreciated. Looks like its a job for the garage....

you can sahe money if it does need a new bearing by just taking the hub and new bearing to garage, should only be about £20 to fit then

Since Pandas are fwd (or 4x4), it may be the CV joint itself rather than the bearing. If it makes a noise when turning tight corners and the wheel is under load, this is more likely to be the case.

Hi,
you could always prop up the front of the car / and let it roll in top gear ,moving the steering lock-to -lock and listening for squeaks / vibes,
if you find NOTHING suspect the bearing as it's under vitually ZERO load like this,
CV's , brake ducts , etc may well make their presence known..,

this was the only way we found where the drumming was coming from in our Marea JTD, ( inaudible because of diesel clatter), you can elevate 1 wheel at a time too,

good luck,
Charlie

rubbing noises from the wheels are usully due to the brake pads glazing over.
do you usually brake very carefully and in good time for each junction...good!
well you have the problem, brake hard several times on a long run making sure theres nothing behind!

otherwise there could be gravel/sand/salt causght between the pad and disc which will work itself away

john