Hi all,
Before I got my car, it belonged to my Dad and started groaning. Turned out to be a rear wheel bearing and has been fine. However, it's started doing it again and I just want to know a) Could it be a wheel bearing or something else (are they replaced in pairs) and b) If it is a wheel bearing, what price am I looking at?
Car info: Ford Focus Saloon 1.8 Ghia.
Many thanks,
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Adam
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a) Could it be a wheel bearing
Might be. Does the noise increase/decrease depending on a left hand or right hand bemd?
or something else (are they replaced in pairs)
Generally no. Most people only replace the worn one.
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Thanks Dave. I'll take it out for a spin later to see which bends it does it on. The only problem is, the roads around here are quite rough, bumnpy NSL roads and I can only really hear it on smooth surfaces. I'll jump on the M6 so if you hear about a lad swerving all over 3 lanes, that's me.
Cheers,
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Adam
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The other way is to jack up the car (and use axle stands). Then spin the wheel. If it's a knackered bearing, then you'll probably hear it grumble.
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Adam..I thought it was mentioned before. they should be replaced in pairs..When one goes its usualy a sign the other is on its way out as well..Bearing in mind. some people will only replace one at a time. and will only replace the other when it starts moaning..May be wrong. Though they should always be replaced in pairs..would expect some others to disagree..Put it this way.I do. As I dont like comebacks...Forgot to mention if its the same bearing? Take it back to garage that did it
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Steve
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>>Adam..I thought it was mentioned before. they should be replaced in pairs<<
You may be right Steve. I can't remember although I do recall reading something you said about brake cylinders being replaced in pair. To be fair, it's been about 15k miles since it was replaced but I don't even know which one it was.
Dave, I don't have axle stands. Could I not just jack up the back and try it?
I'll have a look tomorrow because it's dark now and...I'm er....tired. :-)
I'll keep you informed as to what goes on and thanks again for your comments,
Cheers
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Adam
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Dave, I don't have axle stands. Could I not just jack up the back and try it?
Yes, but don't put any of your body parts under the car while it's in the air.
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Haha. Don't worry - I've seen the jack on a Fiesta literally collapse when the wheel was being changed. Funny....once his hand had been sewn back on ;-)
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Adam
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I can't see any logical reason why you would replace wheel bearings in pairs ?? If a wheel bearing wears out it's usually due to the ingress of some foreign matter, poor materials or extremely high mileage. In the case of the latter then the theory of "replace them in pairs" should be "replace all four". Otherwise just replace the one that's worn. IF it ain't broke don''t fix it. I agree on the brakes replace in pairs to keep the brake balance even.
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The Focus has good form for eating wheel bearings, especially on the rear so its more than likely the problem.
To fix it, probably about £20 for the bearing from a bearing factor and an about an hours labour to change it, which may require the use of a press to remove and install the new bearing. Shouldn't cost more than £100 to do, probably about £60-£70 at an independant garage. ISTR you're from round here - try John at Queen Street Garage in Ormskirk for good work at a fair price.
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Bit of an update,
Just been out with Dad and he's confirmed it's the rear left wheelbearing. I'm going to get it sorted this week. Quinny, I go to Edgehill so it's dead easy to get to Orkmskirk although I don't know it very well at all. Any more rough directions for me to find it from?
Many thanks to all - I'll keep you updated.
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Adam
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Come out of Edge Hill, carry on along St. Helens Road towards the town centre, bear left by the Cricketers PH and turn left at the lights down Aughton Street (the road before Morrisons & where the Acropolis chippy is). Queen Street is the second on the left with the Queen Inn PH on the corner, the garage is more or less on the opposite corner. Phone number is 01695 573128 - they're often quite busy so it might be worthwhile to ring first.
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Ahhh - I know pretty much where you mean.
Cheers Quinny
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Adam
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Just a bit of an update,
Good news,
car is fixed - was the front wheelbearing proving that sounds can be deceptive when you're in the car.
Bad news,
need new pads and discs. Anyone have any idea what I'm looking at price wise?
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Adam
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Forgot to mention,
thanks for all of your help. As always, it's very much appreciated.
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Adam
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There is an issue with Focus rear wheel bearings failing due to the ingress of water.Ford have issued a TSB with a modified seal arrangement which pattern parts may not yet have. It applies to vehicles up to June 2001 and affects disc and drum rear brakes.
Andrew
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Simplicate and add lightness!!
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Should get away with £100, unless they're vented disks or similar.
Maybe you could get your Dad to pay, afterall didn't he give you a warranty? ;-)
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Thanks Andy and Big Cat.
>>Should get away with £100, unless they're vented disks or similar.<<
Good - student loan to the rescue yet again!
>>Maybe you could get your Dad to pay, afterall didn't he give you a warranty? ;-)<<
I don't know...I've pushed my luck quite a bit this year and we're only halfway through the month!
Thanks again. I'll keep you updated.
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Adam
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***UPDATE*****
Hello all - I said I'd update you and here I am. Discs and pads are now on. Bit of a hairy experience as they have to bed in but it shouldn't take too long.
Can I just thank everyone who posted? Your advice is, always very much appreciated.
I love it when a problem is all done and dusted!
Thanks again!
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Adam
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