1992-1999 Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's and Buick Lesabres Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.

Front end howling/grinding

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-10-2003, 07:42 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
vital49's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Purgatory
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
vital49 is on a distinguished road
Default Front end howling/grinding

Over the past few days I've noticed my 93 SE becoming increasingly loud from the front end. At first I only noticed the noise during high speeds. As the miles progressed it has begun doing it at all speeds (even at 10 MPH I can hear it). Acceleration power has not decreased. It does not get worse during braking, only softens and the steering wheel does not shutter during heavy braking, however I can almost feel a "grinding" through the steering wheel. The car does not pull (like being misalligned). After driving it home from work yesterday (79 miles) I touched the front wheels and they were hot! I popped off the little hub cap cover and the splined shaft and spindle nut were red hot on both sides. I think the bearing assemblies on both sides are going. Given that, it'* parked today until I get a better idea of what the REAL problem is (don't want to completely sieze those hubs).

If it is the hub assemblies, does anyone have a cut and dry procedure for changing them? I looked through my Haynes manual and it indicated that I need to remove the axles, control arms, tie rod ends, ball joints, and hang the caliper out of the way. Removing the axles seems like a longshot!! Also, does anyone know of an inexpensive place to buy those hubs? AutoZone lists them at $175.00 each!!!
Old 10-10-2003, 11:20 AM
  #2  
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
 
brminder's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Cheyenne WY
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
brminder is on a distinguished road
Default

It does kinda sound like wheel bearings going out, but it would be kinda rare for both sides to go out at the exact same time.
You gotta quit jumping curbs.
Old 10-10-2003, 12:52 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
Posts like a Corvette
 
h1081dan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Elizabethtown Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
h1081dan is on a distinguished road
Default

My drivers side bearing is gone. It vibrate and hums loudly. I can't fix mine though for awhile due to lack of $$$
Old 10-10-2003, 01:34 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
True Car Nut
 
acg_ssei's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
acg_ssei is on a distinguished road
Default

Originally Posted by brminder
It does kinda sound like wheel bearings going out, but it would be kinda rare for both sides to go out at the exact same time.
I agree. Dragging brakes might do this.

Try jacking up the front end and see how easy it is to turn the front wheels in Neutral.
Old 10-10-2003, 06:22 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
True Car Nut
 
GAMEOVER's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Racine Wi
Posts: 5,146
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
GAMEOVER is on a distinguished road
Default

r the bearings are quite easy just take all the brake stuff off and then losen the driveaxeal nut then should be 4 bolts holding it on? 13mm i believe
Old 10-11-2003, 11:09 PM
  #6  
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
 
kerker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Caledon,Ont.
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
kerker is on a distinguished road
Default

It sounds like wheels bearings to me. It is not uncommon to have both front bearings to go at the same time, Changed front left two weeks ago and front right last night...no more humming Both bearings, when removed , came out in pieces...
Old 10-12-2003, 08:57 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
Posts like a 4 Banger
 
jkinney's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Lebanon, Indiana
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
jkinney is on a distinguished road
Default

Try these guys for price, I've bought a couple of rebuild kits from them and was very satisfied with their service. Even good return policies.

www.northernautoparts.com
Old 10-12-2003, 09:46 PM
  #8  
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
 
brminder's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Cheyenne WY
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
brminder is on a distinguished road
Default

Originally Posted by joe
r the bearings are quite easy just take all the brake stuff off and then losen the driveaxeal nut then should be 4 bolts holding it on? 13mm i believe
The hub on these is a sealed unit. It'* not like the old RWD cars. I think you have to pop off some of the suspension parts.
You might get a manual if you want to do it yourself.
Old 10-13-2003, 08:25 AM
  #9  
Senior Member
Posts like a Corvette
 
Roadrash187's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: N.W. Indiana
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Roadrash187 is on a distinguished road
Default

Had both of mine replaced at the same time. I would recommend that anyways, less headache & worries down the road.
Old 10-13-2003, 08:37 AM
  #10  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
vital49's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Purgatory
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
vital49 is on a distinguished road
Default

Thanks for the replies. I removed the calipers off each rotor and put the car in neutral and the just by spinning it by hand didn't make a noise that seemed excessive (but on the same note, I've never experienced this issue so I didn't know EXACTLY what to listen for). I pads looked decent. So, I rotated the tires (thinking there might be some uneven wear on the fronts). Did the test drive and the noise is still there. Given the amount of work described in the Haynes manual I just took it to a shop to have them change out the hub assemblies. Thanks again for the advice!


Quick Reply: Front end howling/grinding



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:52 PM.