"Howl" from CV joints; bearings ???

k_im · 06-30-2008, 08:12 PM

My 2002 SL-100 has suddenly developed a howl that varies with vehicle speed. I start hearing it at 25 mph or so. The closest similar sound I can compare it to is the sound of lug type snow tires, (particularly the cheap ones my Dad used to buy from K-Mart) but lower in pitch for a given speed. I've inspected the CV joints to the best of my limited ability. I can report that the boots do not appear damaged and there is little or no freeplay. There is a bit of oil/grease on the right hand cv joint IB of the boot. Spinning the wheels by hand, I don't feel or hear any roughness from bearings (again, I'm no expert). Trying to give each wheel a good shake, I don't get anything.

I'm baffled at this point. I'm hoping one of the members has had a similar problem and point me in the right direction. (Or,I could start changing parts until I stumble on the right one...)

Thanks

edit: on a road test the slightest turn to the right doubles the sound level and adds a vibration.

**Ssicarman** · 07-01-2008, 01:06 AM

Most likely a wheel bearing.

Ideally both of the front bearings should be replaced under the theory that if one is bad the other is likley ready to go.

In the most cases just the one will fix.

To find the one lift the front of the car into the air so the front wheels are up about 6 inches, safely supported etc don't kill your self for the sake of a few dollars. Get a long bar place it under one of the front tires. Lift up on the bar to stop the wheel from turning. run the car in gear to spin the front wheels. the wheel with the bar will not turn. Run to the speed that the niose is there. Listen for the noise. Do the same for the other wheel. The bad bearing is the one that makes the noise. If both make the noise then replace both.

k_im · 07-01-2008, 02:00 AM

Thanks, Ssicarman. I'll make it my Canada Day project

k_im · 08-16-2008, 05:11 PM

This "thank you" is very late, but your call was right on the mark, Ssicarman.
The outer race had a very bad surface, the steel was flaking off. I was able to find step by step instructions on-line from my local Public Library for the nuts and bolts stuff. Problem solved.
I really appreciate the professional diagnosis.

**Ssicarman** · 08-16-2008, 06:33 PM

You're welcome. Glad that you got it fixed.