wheel bearings, noise differnces Options

[tomh]

I have noticed on this forum their is debate over the sound of a rear wheel bearing thats failing.I have a high pitch squeel thats cycilcal and starts at around 30 mph,it will stop with a quick jerk of the wheel to the left.It is not brake related because braking will not affect the noise.I just changed the front bearings and am still hearing the noise.This leads me think its the rear bearings.I have read all the past threads on this subject and some people say bearings only growl when failing.My question is it possible that this high pitch squeel could be the bearing?

[stugray]

"Could it be cv joints?"

IME, the symptom of CVs going bad is a popping noise, that usually occurs when cornering.

However, a GOOD CV that has lost all of it's lubricant might whine.
Check to see if the boots are all intact.

Stu

[astronomerdave]

I have what seems like the same problem. Never below about 25-30 mph but usually on the freeway I hear a periodic high pitch squeal. Imagine a hamster wheel that needs oiling (swheee swheee swheee ...). In my case it sounds like it's coming from the rear of the car, rather than the front.

Also not brakes, as it persists when brakes applied, released.

Clutch in, out,
in gear, out of gear,
motor on, off,
combinations of above,
still squealing.

Also not CVs as I heard it before and after replacing all four CV joints. I deferred investigation until I finished the CVs. Now they are all new. What's left but the bearings?

[timofly]

I have what seems like the same problem. Never below about 25-30 mph but usually on the freeway I hear a periodic high pitch squeal. Imagine a hamster wheel that needs oiling (swheee swheee swheee ...). In my case it sounds like it's coming from the rear of the car, rather than the front.

Also not brakes, as it persists when brakes applied, released.

Clutch in, out,
in gear, out of gear,
motor on, off,
combinations of above,
still squealing.

Also not CVs as I heard it before and after replacing all four CV joints. I deferred investigation until I finished the CVs. Now they are all new. What's left but the bearings?

I had the same exact problem and it was rear wheel bearing. The really weird part was that you could jack the car and do whatever you wanted to that wheel and it just seemed solid as a rock: no grinding, no wobble, no movement. But it was the bearing.