Wheel bearing advice please

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Tue 20 Jan 2004 12:19
Wheel bearing advice please - Dangermouse
Hello all

I'm new here, so please be gentle with me!

I need to make a long journey of about 250 miles very soon (ie tomorrow) but have noticed a droning sound from the rear of my car. It's definitely the wheel bearing as the wheel is noisy when the car is jacked up and the wheel turned.

I haven't got time to get the bearing changed before I go, so would it be safe to do make this journey? What are the consequences of a wheel bearing failing?

Many thanks for your help.

D
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Tue 20 Jan 2004 12:50
Wheel bearing advice please - Andrew-T
I don't believe wheel bearings fail suddenly until they are really knackered, when they may groan or even shriek. If all you hear is a quiet rumble, don't worry about it. Get it fixed when convenient, or when you can't stand the irritation any longer.
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Tue 20 Jan 2004 15:39
Wheel bearing advice please - BB
I second Andrew T's advice. If it is a quiet rumble, dont worry. My VR6 has had a rumble from the bearing for the last 3 months.
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Tue 20 Jan 2004 20:09
Wheel bearing advice please - kithmo
You would be well advised to at least clean out and repack the bearing with new grease if you're not replacing it. If it is dry then it is likely to sieze, major catastrophy if travelling at speed. If you havent got time to clean it out then just shove some more grease in it at least.
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Tue 20 Jan 2004 20:46
Wheel bearing advice please - bazza
I drove about 3000 miles with a whining wheel bearing last year - very slowly got louder and louder until I got fed up!
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