Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Wheel Bearings?????

I've developed a strange humming sound coming from my car as it's rolling. The noise
increases the faster I go to up to 80 kms (50MPH)...at this speed the noise seems to level
off but not disappear. It's difficult to determine if the noise is coming from the front or
the back of the car. My 98 Contour has 78,000 kms (49,000 miles).

I can also feel a slight vibration in the steering wheel as well as from the pedals

The noise also changes slightly if I steer left or right of centre which leads me to believe
a wheel bearing may be the cause.

Has anyone else experienced a similar problem and what is the cost to replace a wheel
bearing and are they always replaced in pairs?

Thanks

Yes, sounds like wheel bearings.
Many, many folks have had them go out around 50-60k.
Search the forum for discussions of whether/how to do it yourself; it's a full day job.
IMO, may as well do both since the other will go out soon if it isn't already.
My cost was US$110 parts + $175 labor (3 hrs) for both sides.
But if you do it yourself the parts should be cheaper ($80-$90 IIRC).

Good luck.

It's not so easy to DIY. The bearings need to be pressed in, and pressed out. The best bet would be to take the hub off, buy a new bearing, and bring it to a shop to have them press the new one in. Probably the most economical way.

bearings for sure. My front left went at 72000km, the right at 74000... :rolleyes:

I had it done at Ford, for about 120$ labour (brought my bearing(FAG brand), you don't want another failure at 140K now do you?)

Not necessary to replace in pairs.
My '97 had front right bearing replaced about 14 months ago. Canadian Tire bearing $40 Cdn (25 US), 2 hrs labour at Master Mechanic as I recall. It was 30 C degrees (90F) and I didn't feel like working in the heat 'cause it's a real PIA job.

It sounds like the same noise that i had coming from my 98 svt, i had both hub bearings replaced, cost was $500 but had the warranty.

Have you already taken a good look at your tires? Put your hands on the tread and feel all the way around the tire (do this on all 4). Look for raised portions of tread on the tire. The tire should be completely smooth.

If you have any unevenness, or humps in any of the tires, this will definetely make noise. My brother suspected a wheel bearing on his 98 ZX2 Escort, but I checked out his back tires and found they were the cause. A 96 Probe my girlfriend used to own had the same exact thing happen, too.

Best to check the easy stuff first before tearing into it, or having to pay through the nose for it..

good luck... let us know what you find