front wheels droning / whining

[D813YBB]

As I drive along, I now have the constant company of a droning sound which rises to a whining sound with increased speed. The sound appears to originate from the front wheels whether driving round a corner or in a straight line.

Anyone with any ideas on what might be worn out and making this sound?

[steve smith]

i am going to say one thing WHEEL BEARINGS are shot.

[D813YBB]

One front bearing was changed at approximately 80,000 (3 or so years ago) from memory), but I thought they only made a noise going round corners?

[E_T_V]

More usually make noise going round corners but many also make it in a straight line.

Also worth checking the rear wheel bearings as these can be very noisey and many people mistake the noise as a front wheel bearing.

[Jumturbo]

Try wobbling the wheel by hand on the jack. You'll soon know if it is the bearing! If it is the bearing, don't drive too far as you can end up needing a new hub carrier too! Could also be CV joint or even diff bearings, but diff bearings would normally also mean oil leak.

[Guest]

How easy is it to replace wheel bearings ?? and what tools do you need i have a ledbury meastro that has the same droning noise..

[Jumturbo]

Not easy as the old bearing needs to be pressed out and the new one pressed in. I usually take my hub carrier off and take it to a garage with the replacement bearing. They would probably charge about £10. Getting the carrier off isn't bad though. Luckily, a few years ago, I bought a pair of new carriers with bearings fitted, so all I need to do is swap the carriers! Then get new bearings fitted to the old carriers ready for next time. It would be a good idea to get hold of a spare pair, but the only thing to watch is type of bearing fitted, as I think that earlier bearing/carriers (with 2 piece bearing) have different driveshaft/CV joint ends and not compatable with later. Rears are easy though!

[Guest]

I thought of getting new carriers cause i just did that to my wifes fiesta (easier than bearings) but trying to get hold of them down here in sussex is like trying to find rockinghorse s**t and what type do my ledbury have???

[E_T_V]

Anything from about 88 on has the later 1 piece bearings.

[Guest]

just changed the bearings and cv boots on my mg for the m.o.t, the bearings where very bad but didnt make much noise.