Growling noise front driver side - bearing hub replacement?

Tiny
TONYCR250
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET BLAZER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 71,320 MILES
There is a growling noise coming from the front driver side tire that I can tell, checked the brakes, wheel bearing or hub, not loose no play in the tire nothing, any ideas? Thanks tonycr250
Monday, March 2nd, 2009 AT 10:45 PM

37 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Sounds liek the wheel bearing (hub) I have seen many of them that made noise but didnt feel bad on initial inspection. Are you sure it is the r/f? drive slow in parking lot, if noise is louder on right turns then it is most likely right front. This video shows the job being done on a similar car but the process is the same.

https://youtu.be/ZgiPRG6jffc

Here is a guide to help you step by step with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car.

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

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009 AT 7:53 AM
Tiny
LINKONCOLT
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  • 2001 CHEVROLET BLAZER
  • 6 CYL
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What size wrenches, sockets do I need to change hub assy on my blazer? Thanks dan
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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 12:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
If I remember right the axle nut is 30mm and the three bolts that hold it on are 15mm here's how:
Page 1 of 1
WHEEL HUB & BEARINGS

Removal
1.Raise and support vehicle. Unload tension on torsion bar. See TORSION BAR. Remove wheel and tire assembly. Apply brake pedal. Remove axle shaft nut and washer. Remove rotor. See Fig. 1. Using brass drift and hammer, disengage axle shaft from wheel hub and bearing.
NOTE: Darkened areas on bearing assembly are caused by heat treatment process and do not indicate a need for replacement.
2.Remove wheel speed sensor. Remove wheel hub and bearing from steering knuckle. Remove splash shield and bearing seal.
Installation
1.To install NEW wheel hub stud, lubricate hub bore and install stud. Place 4 washers onto stud and install stud nut with flat side to washers. Tighten stud nut to draw stud into hub bore. Remove nut and washers. Install hub and bearing assembly onto axle shaft. 2.To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts and nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Depress brake pedal several times to extend caliper piston after installation.

6/9/2009


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_blaza_2.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_blaz_1.jpg

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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 12:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LINKONCOLT
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It is 35 mm or 1 3/8
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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 12:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
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Did you get er done?
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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 12:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LINKONCOLT
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No had to order socket.
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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 12:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
VAN1973
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  • 2000 CHEVROLET BLAZER
  • 6 CYL
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I was told by a mechanic that I needed a wheel bearing job done to the front of my truck, however, I went online to research futher because after test driving the vechile I was right away quoted 500 for the work. Online it stated that if I have tapered roller bearings that they could be cleansed, inspected and repacked with grease I was not informed that from the mechanic that tested drove the car is this a fact and how can I verify if I have tapered roller bearings? To you're knowledge does 2000 chevy blazers come with tapered roller bearings, and is the price 500 correct?
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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 12:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
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Your vehicle's front wheel bearings can not be repacked and adjusted. They MUST be replaced. Your rear wheel bearings however can indeed be repacked and adjusted.
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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 12:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
VAN1973
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The mechanic wants 700 altogether for the job. Would it be cheaper for me to purchase the parts myself and save money? Also could you tell me what parts I need to purchase for the wheel bearing job
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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 12:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
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For the repair you will need basic mechanics tools (i.E. Drift punch, lug wrench, sockets etc.) And also a special service tool called a torsion bar unloader. The new parts needed are just the new hub / bearing assembly and if you choose to do brake replacement at this time you can get pads as well. $500 is a bit high for this repair, should ask around a few other well known reputable shops for quotes. $300 is more the price range for this repair on your vehicle, including parts.
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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 12:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOE THE MARINE
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  • 2000 CHEVROLET BLAZER
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Is it a good idea to replace the driver side also, since I am doing the passage side? This really doesn't look like un doing it and the repair shop wants to charge $250.00 for just one side, which I relive I can do this my self. I can get both parts for $58.00 on line, where AutoZone wants wants $101.99 for just one side, which this I don't understand. What do you think? My son is the mechanic, but I love your answers on repairs and it is very good advice for me to know what or how the job it done. Thanks for any feedback.
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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 12:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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Good afternoon,

I think doing both sides is a good idea. If one side has failed the other is not far behind.

The hubs could be the ones made in China like with rockauto. But remember, shops are in business to make money, not give parts away. The price is a little high. Quality hubs are about $80.00 per side.

Roy

Removal Procedure

imageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

1. Raise and support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Unload the torsion bar. Refer to Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement
3. Remove the tire and the wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Wheels, Tires and Alignment.
4. Apply the brake pedal.
5. Remove the drive axle nut.
6. Remove the drive axle washer.
7. Remove the rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement - Front in Brakes and Traction Control.

ImageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

8. Disengage the halfshaft from the wheel hub and bearing assembly. Place a brass drift against the outer end of the halfshaft in order to protect the halfshaft threads. Sharply strike the brass drift with a hammer. Do not attempt to remove the halfshaft from the hub and bearing assembly at this time.

ImageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

9. Remove the wheel speed sensor mounting bolt from the wheel hub and bearing assembly.
10. Remove the wheel speed sensor from the wheel hub and bearing assembly.

ImageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

11. Remove the wheel hub and bearing assembly to the steering knuckle mounting bolts.

Important: Lay the wheel hub and bearing assembly on the hub bolts on the outboard side. This prevents damage or contamination to the bearing seal.
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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 12:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
D6SPAN
  • MECHANIC
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HI! I like your initiative!
Wheel bearings do not need to be replaced in pairs. However, it's not bad idea to check the second side since you already have to tools out.
When looking at parts online, you will generally find them cheaper online than at your local parts store because they don't have to pay for as many buildings or employees. Generally, you will have to wait longer for your parts to arrive and they will be more difficult to warranty them out or exchange them if the wrong part arrives. So, you need to balance the pros and cons.
I am also including the remove and replace procedures. If you don't have a torque wrench maybe borrow your son's for the reassembly. The right torque is important. Good luck! Let us know how it turns out!

This is the install:

Installation Procedure

1. Install the wheel hub and bearing seal to the wheel hub and bearing assembly.
2. Install the splash shield to the steering knuckle. Align the shield to the steering knuckle.
3. Install the wheel hub and bearing assembly to the steering knuckle. Align the threaded holes.
4. Install the wheel hub and bearing assembly to the steering knuckle mounting bolts.
Tighten the wheel hub and bearing assembly to the steering knuckle mounting bolts to 105 Nm (77 ft. lbs.).
5. Install the wheel speed sensor to the wheel hub and bearing assembly.
6. Install the wheel speed sensor to the wheel hub and bearing assembly mounting bolt.
Tighten the wheel speed sensor to the wheel hub and bearing assembly mounting bolt to 18 Nm (13 ft. lbs.).
7. Install the rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement - Front in Brakes and Traction Control.
8. Apply the brake pedal.
9. Install the drive axle washer.
10. Install the drive axle nut.
Tighten the drive axle nut to 140 Nm (103 ft. lbs.).
11. Install the tire and the wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Wheels, Tires and Alignment.
12. Load the torsion bar. Refer to Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement
13. Lower the vehicle.

Here is a video that can help

https://youtu.be/_FzmmBoa4Tg

Please let us know what happens.
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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 12:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DVXS
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  • 1 POST
  • 1999 CHEVROLET BLAZER
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
When driving on freeway or turning I get a noise from the front of the vehicle.
Can you tell if it would be the drive shaft or the rod
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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 12:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
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Start with checking the wheel bearings for any movement, rock the wheel top to bottom, there should be no slack.
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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 12:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
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Have you solved this problem yet? If not, can you describe the noise (clicking, popping, roaring, etc). Does it change when you go around a curve, accelerate, or brake? Does it pull in any direction?
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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 12:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
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Have you checked the wheel bearings hubs yet, don't let this develop in a more serious problem.
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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 12:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RARNOL17
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  • 1999 CHEVROLET BLAZER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 115,000 MILES
Is it possible to replace the front wheel bearings without a bunch of specialty tools?
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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 12:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PEAR69
  • MECHANIC
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The whole front hub/wheel assembly is replaced as a unit. The bearing is not serviceable. The job does not require any special tools and it is fairly simple to do. I do suggest spraying some penetrating oil on all nuts and bolts before attempting to remove them--PB Blaster works great.
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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 12:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROCKBOTTOM222000
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
  • 1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 48,000 MILES
I have a 98 blazer and when I get going around 40 mph it makes a roaring noise or vibration from the front driver side. If i'm driving straight and at least 40 mph it makes this noise if I turn left the noise doesnt stop. However if I turn or swerve right at 40 mph the noise stops until the vehicle is straight again. The hubs all seem tight. Is this a wheel bearing out? And if so How do I tell which bearing is out? Thanks alot.
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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 12:13 PM (Merged)

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