There is a sound like driving over a grooved surface, but no vibration?

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1996 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
116,000 MILES

1996 VW Passat mileage: 116,000. There is a sound like driving over a grooved surface, but no vibration. The sound varies with car speed, and is not affected by engaging or disengaging the clutch (gear doesn't matter either). The sound gets very loud at highway speeds. I raised the car and spun each wheel. The right front wheel makes a rumbling sound when I spin it (the left front and the rears are silent). I think that I have a wheel bearing problem, but am not sure if I can change it myself or if I will need to pull the hub and have a machine shop press out the old one and press in the new one. Also, if I have to pull the hub, will I need to have it re-aligned? Any advice appreciated!

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

The wheel bearing can be replaced using bearing press. It can be done by yourself, given that you have the right tools.
Those bearing press can be rented from your local auto parts store.
In order to change the bearing first you will have to take the hub off of the vehicle then use the bearing puller tool to remove the bearing.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bearing-hub-replacement

Before you remove the suspension component, be sure to mark the thread locations so it will be easier for your to put it back together close to where it was. It is always a good idea to get the alignment checked after working with any suspension component.

I have attached the replacement instruction for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.

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