Date:         Sat, 9 Jul 2011 10:15:37 -0400
Reply-To:     Edward Maglott <emaglott3@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Edward Maglott <emaglott3@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      front wheel noise
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I have a noise that sounds like it's in my right front
wheel.  Definitely sounds like its in one of the front wheels.  It's
speed dependent, rrrraaoo, rrrraaoo, rrrraaoo, and I would say it's a
wheel bearing based on what I've heard and diagnosed over the
years.  So here's what I've done:

I replaced my warped front rotors (with OEM) and put in new pads
(from the FLAPS.)  I moved my cleaned and re-greased wheel bearings
to the new rotors.  Lithium based wheel bearing grease.  I found the
outer bearing seat was worn out on the right spindle.  there was play
between the bearing and the spindle and evidence of wear on the
spindle that the bearing had been turning on the spindle.  Even when
properly adjusted, there was play between the outer bearing and it's
seat on the spindle.  (not sure if seat is the correct word
there.)  So obviously there was still terrible noise and play
there.  I drove about 10 miles total on that situation.

With some difficulty, I got a replacement spindle (thanks Jim
Felder!) and new ball joints.  There was a very small amount of wear
on the inside of the outer wheel bearing where it mates with the
seat.  I compared with a new set of wheel bearings, and there was a
tiny amount of additional play with the old set, so I put in the new
set.  I don't have a press so I have carefully drifted the bearings
in and out of the rotors each time.

The sound does not seem to be affected by brake application or
coasting in neutral.  It seems to increase on turning to the left
which loads the right side.  It sounds to me and my GF like its
coming from the right side but I'm not totally sure.

I did notice that the guide pins on the caliper on that right side
seem worn.  Probably from the warped rotor period.  The only other
thing I can think of to replace is the left wheel bearing.

Thanks for any ideas!
Edward