Wheel Noise Cont.

2001 Saturn SC1

I posted a message a couple days back about a noise I heard while driving
earlier that day.

I have heard the noise again, but at much slower speeds, 15 mph or so, It
was only for a second that the noise came back. I now hear a different noise
when making a right hand turn, not left. This is a different noise then if
driving in a straight line. I've also noticed a thumping feeling, not just
in the steering wheel, but the whole car, at low speeds, 15-30 mph.

Is this the wheel bearings or something else? MR had said something about
sub-freezing temps, this is not the case for me, temps are in the low 60s
high 50s.

If the bears are going, do I have to replace the hub as well? or can I just
replace the bearings, what types of wear marks would I look for on the hub
the would determine a hub replacement?

Thank You for your help

 

oppps, added note:
The noise seems to come from the driver side front, only when the car is
moving, and happens to stop when the wheel is turned, however, it is not
making a noise when the wheel is turned.
I tried jacking the car up and trying to wiggle the front drivers tire, but
did not move any, at the time I checked, I will check again today when I get
a chance and post again.

Thank You

 

Check your motor mount for wear. That is what gave me all kinds of grief
chasing down that noise. Even switched the CV joints until someone
mentioned the problematic upper mount. About $75 and came with 4 studs.
Jack under engine and an easy swap job.

B~

 

Don't over look the rear tires. Run your hand around them and feel for
"chop" . It's real common on FWD vehicles especially if you're like me and
don't believe in rotating tires. The choppiness around the tire can make
all kinds of weird noises.

 

Update
It has gotten colder around here the past couple of days, even snowed.
The nose is now heard from moving from a stop, the pitch changes when the
break is applied, then the noise stops, the the break is let off, the noise
will return. Could this still be bearings, or is this a "normal" noise from
the '01 S-Series? I would rather not spend 70 bucks at saturn to have a tech
tell me this is "normal" noise in cold weather.

Thank you for your help.

 

Maybe you could wait and see......warmer weather and clear roads.
Especially if you don't have long commutes in it where a breakdown
would be costly.
MR

 

uknewwho,
With your description, it sounds like one or both wheel
bearings in the front. I replaced both of mine on a 94.
Seems to be common as I just emailed/posted to someone
a few days ago about how to replace them. After the axle
is out of the spindle, you can see how sloppy a bearing can
be.

chuck

============= my post =================
Subject: Re: 97 SL1 wheel Bearrings
Date: Wed, 07 Jan 2004 21:21:26 -0500
Newsgroups: rec.autos.makers.saturn

Joe,
I just did this job on an 94 SL1 this past summer. After I
got the spindle off, I took it to a local shop w/ a press. I
would advise doing both sides as the previous year the other
side was done (before I owned it). As spindle removal can
change camber, an alignment check will be needed. So, by
doing both sides you can get away with one alignment. In
addition, my lower ball joint was shot. It is also a good time
to make sure CV joints/boots and suspension bushings are
good.
...