Date:         Mon, 27 Jul 2009 22:18:15 -0500
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      Bearing Problem - Any Ideas??
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

OK,

Just replaced front rotors both sides with brand new ones. Installed and
seated the new bearing races - no problem. Greased the pucky out of the
races, the new bearings, and generally all over. Assembled the whole
thing on the spindle with all the appropriate parts, tightened the
spindle nut snuggly, then backed off the nut slightly. Pulled the guide
pins, cleaned, greased, re-installed with new accordion rubber dust
covers. Remounted the calipers, and torqued the bolts. Installed the
wheels, torqued the bolts, the spun the wheels while adjusting the
torque on the spindle nut so the wheel would turn three times before
stopping. Rocked each wheel to check the amount of play in the bearings.
There was a tiny bit - appropriate. peened the spindle nut and put the
end caps back on. Secured the speedo cable with the circlip. Then gave
it a test run.

Unexpectedly I got a big whine from the front end. The faster I went,
the louder the whine. Rocked the steering wheel back and fourth - whine
would "winnow" or "wow" - ie, change pitch.

I am mystified. As I see it, this was about the most perfect brake job
with new rotors and bearings that I have been privy to participate in.
Yet, there is a problem whose cause is not obvious. I'm not at all sure
where to look.

The only thing I can say more on is that the bearings said "Made in
China" on the box.

BTW, all these parts were a local purchase from a reputable imported car
parts supply house.

Anyone got any ideas?

Thanks,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver