Topic: wheel bearing who has changed one?

[hammy221]

currently i have a small vibration and a hum from my front right coner on my sol and it seams to be only around about 35-50 mph. im thinking a whhel bearing beacuse it get a little better when i turn right and more noticable but only slightly when i turn right. my qustion is can anyone get a wheel bearing for a decent price as im finding oem for about 280 for w/o abs as my car does not have it. also anyone have recomendations on what brands to go with or stear clear of. thank you

[Sol Asylum]

How did you get a car without ABS?  I thought that was standard on the Kappas.

[DaveOC]

That sounds just like the wheel bearing I recently had to get replaced.  The service guy asked how long I was going to keep the vehicle, as there was a substantial price difference from the various manufacturers based on the warranty on the part. The lower priced manufacturers only had a 3 month warranty versus a 2 year warranty on the higher priced hub/bearing.

If I remember correctly, GM's standard parts warranty is 12 months/12,000 miles.

[DaveOC]

How did you get a car without ABS?  I thought that was standard on the Kappas.

From 2006 - 2008, on the NA, ABS was optional.  It was a $400 option on my 1st 1K 2006 NA. It was standard on the NA in 2009.

I'm pretty sure ABS was standard on the GXP.   I can look it up if there is a question.

[TomatoSoup]

Have you checked the three hub mounting bolts are tight?  Seems to be a common problem that they can loosen and that might produce your symptoms.

(Number 12 here):

[hammy221]

no i havent checked them. i could get the part then check themn and if there tight just replace it. i was also thinking i might be hearing road noise from the tires

[DeepBlueGXP]

#19 is what you replace.  It's eash to do.

[TomatoSoup]

Yeah - the tire could be the issue too.  I had a problem noise on our minivan that I though was a tie rod end, or bearing.  Turned out to be the tire - probably a de-laminating belt.  I diagnosed by swapping the front tires left to right and the sound followed the tire.  Replacing them fixed it.

I'd check the hub bolts first though.  Just need to jack up that corner and then they're pretty easy to get at (from inside the wheel well, back of the carrier/knuckle).

[DeepBlueGXP]

After re-reading the thread.  First thing is to rotate your wheels (no $) and if the noise is still there, then it's the bearing.

[Sky Pilot]

After re-reading the thread.  First thing is to rotate your wheels (no $) and if the noise is still there, then it's the bearing.

I agree 100%, I bought a set and then rotated my tires and the humming moved to the rear.

[hammy221]

Ya I'll have to try that first nothing to lose

[elff]

I've changed 6
but they were all on my jeep

[Omiotek]

Wheel bearings are VERY easy on the solstice....The only ones that require a little more time is the rears and its because you need to remove the axle.

All you really need to do up front is take off the wheel, disconnect the sensor, take off the brake assembly and unbolt the hub. For the rear its a little more complicated. More or less do everything you did for the front but you will also need to loosen the upper control arm and the linkage in the rear to the body and it will make like a million times easier.

Replace the entire hub and not just the bearing itself.

[elff]

It's funny this topic came up.
I have a rock crawling event tomorrow, so I loaded up the spare parts.
4 axle shafts
driveshaft
and I grabbed one of my spare 27 spline hubs just in case


Omiotek really stated it well.
It's really just removing nuts off bolts, then when you re-install, just make sure you torque everything to spec.
Sometimes the hub assembly can be attached to the axle shaft pretty tightly. A slide hammer can help with that.

[TomatoSoup]

It's funny this topic came up.
I have a rock crawling event tomorrow, so I loaded up the spare parts.
4 axle shafts
driveshaft
and I grabbed one of my spare 27 spline hubs just in case

That's patently stupid, and I would smite you if I had the ability.  You'll DESTROY your kappa if you go rock-climbing in it!

[elff]

But if I don't go Rock Crawling, it will look really stupid on 37s

[Sol Asylum]

Just don't roll this one Elff.

[elff]

I've already rolled this one

[Critterman]

I think he meant, 'just don't roll it again' or just don't roll it in this ONE event'.

[elff]

its gonna be really wet.  I will do my best to keep the rubber side down

[Sol Asylum]

I meant don't roll the Kappa with 37s.

[rlhammon]

I've done this many... many times.

1) Rotate tires to confirm first
2) Check hub bolts (while you are rotating tires)... these *love* to come loose.  If loose, use some blue loctite on them.
3) If you need new hubs... check out Schram Auto Parts.  They are in Michigan, and have LOTS of Kappa parts from GM scrap vehicles.  Excellent service, will ship, and prices are hard to beat.

For rear hubs (I know you said your issue is up front) there is no need to pull an axle or touch the control arms.  Pull the wheel, brake setup, the three hub bolts from the backside, and use a puller / slide hammer after your remove the axle nut.  Only time I've pulled the control arms was to change the bearing material out for racing.