Name that sound...

On my way to work this morning I could hear a faint noise coming from what sounded like the front passenger side wheel area. It sounded like a bearing that has gone dry, but only made a noise just as I accellerated or just as I lifted off the accellerator for a split second. On my way home tonight it was still doing it, I went through the toll booths on the bridge and as I was setting off down the dual carriageway and i started getting a louder noise from the rear. I sounded like I had muds on, which I do, so I thought maybe I had a flat or soft tyre but when I checked they were all fine.

Are both these noises the same problem and it just sounded like it was coming from the front, and what is it likely to be?

Rich

I have found it really hard to diagnose these. Noises that appear to come from the front with the windows closed can appear to come from the back when the windows are open.

It could be so many things from wheel bearings, UJs to clutch release bearings, transfer box chain or differentials.

I would suspect a rear wheel bearing or transfer chain noise first.

Martin

When I got home I had a look and put my hand on the diff case, it was very warm. I'm guessing it isn't supposed to get warm/hot?

If its the t-chain, is there any way of inspecting it without taking the whole box out and stripping it?

ok, I got the thing up on axle stands earlier and put it in gear and let it drive its self. With the jack handle stuck in my ear I made out that the sound was coming from just behind the passenger side rear brake, I assume that is where the bearing is sat? Hopefuly thats what it is.

Does anyone know the part numbers for a rear bearing and any seals required to do the job and also Is there a guide to doing it anywhere? I'm sure its a straight forward job, but I'd like to make sure I'm set for doing it before I pull it all apart.

Do you really need to ask

The guide to doing it is HERE

and I sell the bearings and seals in the Bigjimny shop

The bearing and oil seal kit is £22.00

The bearing, retainer ring (NON-ABS Cars only) and oil seal kit is £37.26

Both are about £2.14 to post first class

The reason for offering two kits is because the retainer ring is actually slightly cheaper from the Suzuki dealer (about £1 cheaper) so you may want to save a £1 and get it from your dealer.

All prices include VAT.

BUT - if you look at the shop this morning they are not listed as I am awaiting stock, my supplier emailed me yesterday lunch to say they had been dispatched on next day delivery so they should be in later today. Once they are in then they will appear.

Now back in stock!

Thanks for your reply, but I'm confused now...

Do I need both of these sets or just the bearing, retainer ring and seal kit? I don't have abs if that helps?

Rich,

You only need one or the other. If you buy the complete kit which includes the bearing, retainer ring and oil seal then you have everything you need - £37.26 + £3.00 p+p

The other set (£22 + £2.36 p+p) does not have the retainer ring, this is for people who want to get their own retainer ring from the dealer, the only place you can buy them, or find a magic way of getting the old one off (extremely hard to do!), . The ones I supply come from my local Suzuki dealer and by putting them in the kit I just save you the journey to the dealer. Whilst there are savings on the bearing and oil seal. I cannot offer savings on the retainer ring.

Martin

Ideal, thanks for that. I need it to hang in there for at least another week, as I have the other car to fix first!

No problem, I send them 1st class so they should be there the day following when I post them.

Its getting worse, I don't think it will last another week. I'll order one from you tomorrow if thats ok.

Just out of interest, what oil is recomended in the axle? I have 5 gallons of 80/90 in my garage if I can use that?

Do I defo need the retaining ring or can it be expended and removed with some heat?