After replacing both of the front wheel hub assemblies there is a ping noise when turning?

Tiny
DAVENOOB
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I changed both of the front wheel hub assemblies. Now any time turn the wheel a little hard I get an audible ping coming from the inside turning wheel whichever way you turn. Is the assembly not installed tight enough? Is the axle not quite in right so jumps a gear tooth with the torque?
Saturday, November 11th, 2023 AT 2:01 PM

19 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Is it only one ping or is it several when moving?

As far as the noise, did you properly torque the hub bearings and axle nut?

I attached the directions below along with the torque specifications. Take a look through them and let me know if anything was missed or if the torque specifications were not reached.

Take care,

joe

See pics below.
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Saturday, November 11th, 2023 AT 9:48 PM
Tiny
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Mine didn't need the wheel hub assembly puller. It was a 34mm socket to take the nut off then 3 bolts in the back. Or am I misreading but I didn't use a torque wrench heck could barely get anything on the bolt.
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Sunday, November 12th, 2023 AT 7:33 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

"Couldn't get anything on the bolt." Please explain. The axle nut was the 34mm bolt you mentioned. That has to be torqued properly or you could lose a wheel. If it is loose, there is a good chance it will make the noise you mentioned. Also, the three hub bolts are equally important.

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, November 12th, 2023 AT 7:50 PM
Tiny
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It was hard to get a socket and ratchet in it. I don't have a torque wrench. Now my brake system and traction control are lighting up and brakes go to floor.
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Monday, November 13th, 2023 AT 12:50 PM
Tiny
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So, my antilock brake, traction control, and Stabil Trac all showing up at once. Is this probably a wiring issue or fuse for all those to pop at once? Could the wheel issue be what caused the dummy lights to come on?
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Monday, November 13th, 2023 AT 4:59 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

If they all came on at the same time, chances are there is an issue with one of the wheel speed sensors. That would cause all of the mentioned lights to turn on.

So, we need to figure out what is causing it. The new bearings would have come with new wheel speed sensors. Therefore, something is likely loose and may have damaged the sensor.

Where did you have a hard time getting a wrench? When you had the axle out to replace the hub assembly, you should have had plenty of room to tighten the bolts onto the steering knuckle. As far as the axle nut is concerned, that is easily accessible as well. Also, the axle nut's torque is substantial. You really need a torque wrench to tighten it. I've seen people use impact wrenches, but the vehicles were usually back within a month with issues.

What I recommend is to check with a local parts store for tool rental. Most will lend a tool at no charge. Get your hands on a torque wrench and make sure what you have done is tight enough. Please keep in mind, the sensor portion of the assembly, which is integral to the hub bearing assembly, may be damaged and need to be replaced again. In most cases, the parts store will cover it under warranty.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Joe
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Monday, November 13th, 2023 AT 10:14 PM
Tiny
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The bolts in the back of the knuckle. I have to use a socket and extension but the socket won't quite slide all the way down the bolt head so felt like wanted to slip. The socket off the bolt head that is. I'll check with parts store about torque wrench. When the lights went off the brakes made a horrible noise sounds like there was no brake pad. That's just what it sounded like. I'm going out to take apart now. I'll let you know thanks.
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Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 AT 8:34 AM
Tiny
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Lost a steering knuckle bolt. Auto parts stores don't come up when I search for them. Do you know the size of the bolt so I might get it from hardware store? Or should I get the actual part? Thanks
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Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 AT 10:37 AM
Tiny
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I ordered 3 new OEM bolts they will be here tomorrow. I'm going to check the other side, passenger side, as well since I changed that wheel hub assembly as well.
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Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 AT 11:28 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

Do you mean the hub bolt fell out prior to you checking it?

Joe
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Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 AT 2:57 PM
Tiny
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I just took the tire and calipers off and saw the missing bolt. Will have 3 new bolts Thursday and will get a new speed sensor tomorrow.
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Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 AT 7:14 PM
Tiny
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Will you hook me up with your GoFundMe link? Also if I add a tip does that go straight to you or is it part of some deal you have with the site?
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Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 AT 7:17 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Let me know how things work out for you. Remember, the hub and axle nuts need to be properly torqued. They maintain a lot of pressure and weight. In this case, you could have lost the wheel and axle. Please be careful.

As far as the gofundme page, here is the link. The goal of the page is to help educate others in different areas of automotive repair. You asked if it comes to me. No, it doesn't and there is absolutely no need to worry about that. We provide a free service and I'm happy when I'm able to help.

Take care of yourself and let me know how things work out or if you have questions.

Joe

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-help-others-get-back-on-the-road
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Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 AT 8:43 PM
Tiny
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Thanks for explaining that for me. Also asked for this link in another communication don't worry about it. Thanks so much man.
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Thursday, November 16th, 2023 AT 1:24 PM
Tiny
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So, it is a real pain to try and read the schematics on my phone. What are the hub bolts supposed to be torqued to what PSI?
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Thursday, November 16th, 2023 AT 1:31 PM
Tiny
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I just bought a torque wrench that doesn't go high enough. Is there anything I can do besides return it? I'm going to borrow one from AutoZone but a torque wrench that values are too low is useless to me.
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Thursday, November 16th, 2023 AT 3:26 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

If the torque wrench doesn't go high enough, which isn't a surprise, return it. For this job, the axle nut needs to be tightened to 155 ft/lbs. I suspect the torque wrench goes to 150 ft/lbs. If that is the case, take it that far and give it an additional 1/8 of a turn and you should be fine.

As far as the hub bolts are concerned, they need to be replaced and the new ones torqued to 96 ft/lbs.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe
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Thursday, November 16th, 2023 AT 8:45 PM
Tiny
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Nope torque wrench goes to 80.
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Friday, November 17th, 2023 AT 8:53 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Is that the one you just purchased? Certainly, that isn't going to work. I've seen basic ones at places like Harbor Freight that go to at least 150 ft/lbs.

Is the one you purchased a 1/2" drive?

Joe
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Friday, November 17th, 2023 AT 9:46 PM

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