Identifying a Strange Sound

[uplander]

My 76 is making an odd sound on semi-frequent, but unpredictable occasions. Sound is like a sustained moan or deep-pitched howl. Happens when car is warm and after driving and braking, but not during braking like a pad/disc problem. From the drivers seat, sounds like it is in the front of the vehicle, possibly drivers side but not sure. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[Viperwolf1]

Wheel bearing.

 

[uplander]

from a safety standpoint, does this need to be dealt with urgently?

 

[73stallion]

from a safety standpoint, does this need to be dealt with urgently?

i'd say so. 2 possibilities, either loosing a wheel or having a bearing seize and lock up the tire. shouldn't take more than an hour or so for a novice mechanic to replace bearings on one side.

 

[cgbexec]

from a safety standpoint, does this need to be dealt with urgently?

If it fails completly, you will be replacing more that just bearings.

 

[uplander]

well said. does it make any sense to replace all the inner and outer wheel bearings on the vehicle at the same time vs. tackling them individually as they fail?

 

[Tito]

Replace them both and clean and reinstall your lockout hubs. If things are corroded you might want to get a new spindle seal and bearing as well.