Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Noise from rear end

Hi,

Need some help diagnosing the source of some recent noise eminating from my Countour's rear end.

I suspect that is must either be the wheel bearings or rear brakes. The noise begins from a stand still and is like a dull whine (sounds like I have a muffled rice rocket exhaust installed).

Just in case it matters the car is a `98 GL model with 74 K miles, 4 cyl and auto trans.

Thanks

It has to be one or the other.

You will either have to perform an inspection or take it someplace for one.

Steve

Thanks guys.

I just changed the bearings today and what a difference it made.

The rear driver side bearing came apart as I removed the assembly! The other side was not too bad but i changed it as well.

I must say, it took a bit more to replace the hub/bearing assemblies that I thought (and what the manual showed) but I got it done ok.

Just an FYI for anyone else planning to tackle this project, the new bearings are a very tight fit! Called a mechanic to make sure this was normal and was told they should be pressed in by a machine shop (all closed on Sunday) but managed to install them fine with a rubber mallet & a board.

Just need to take it slow, easy and keep centered on your (gentle) hits. Also a little bearing grease on the spindle shaft helps too.