Rear Wheel bearings making noise shortly after replacement, feel a bit loose.

[srgtlord]

Alright so I replaced the rear bearings in my 92 golf before the vehicle sat for about 1 year so it had very few miles on the new bearings as in less than 2000 miles . I  have recently been driving the said vehicle and have been noticing a rising grumbling sound rising from the rear of the vehicle. I check the play in the rear wheels and there is noticeable slop. Will adjusting the rear wheel bearings solve my problem/ extend the life of the bearings?  If so what is the proper procedure for tightening procedure / amount of grease to put in the grease cap? I should also mention I used MEYLE bearings and followed the bentley.

[rs899]

MEYLE doesn't make bearings, and within the last few years have been sourcing most of their stuff from Asia.  I have never had much luck with Chinese bearings.  That said, the Bentley tells you that you should be able to move the washer under the grease cup with a screwdriver when the nut is tightened properly.  If you have done this , and still get the noise, I would inspect them.  It is better to run them a tad loose than tight and risk them seizing.

[srgtlord]

I was afraid of this. The bearings were set loose enough to rock the drum a noticable amount. My theory was to tighten the nut slightly so the play is reduced. I slightly tightened one side last night and it seemed as if the noise was reduced, but then again maybe just in my head . Now I read once that old hardened tires can mimmick the sound of bad wheel bearings but I am not sure how valid the claim is.  Worst case scenario what brand wheel bearings are not junk? FAG? TIMKEN? SKF?

[rs899]

Yes. Yes. Yes.  Also National (Japan).

I run mine noticeably loose and don't get any noise  (that I can hear above the engine)

[ORCoaster]

Pull them all the way out, repack em and reinstall.  Bentley says washer should slide slightly back and forth when using corner of screwdriver as a pick point.  Sounds like they  were just loose to me.

[8v-of-fury]

I have seen mechanics (while saftying MY vehicles) crank down on these style bearings until you have to forcefully spin the tire.. Only so i can go home and take it all back apart and loosen it up..

[burn_your_money]

You are suppose to spin the wheel while tightening the bearing until the wheel starts to slow down and drag, then you back the nut off again until it's loose. Not loose enough that you can feel play in the tire, but loose enough that the tire spins freely. I er on the side of too tight rather than too loose and haven't had issues. If you have calipers measure the spindle, it's it's worn (from bad bearings) you'll never get it set right.

[srgtlord]

Its too bad the bentley does not mention this method.

[srgtlord]

I guesse I was just over cautious. Bearings looked fine , but the inside of the tirres were worn with noticable cupping from bad rear shocks that i replaced a year ago. The noise was in my case the worn out inner tire.

[R.O.R-2.0]

You are suppose to spin the wheel while tightening the bearing until the wheel starts to slow down and drag, then you back the nut off again until it's loose. Not loose enough that you can feel play in the tire, but loose enough that the tire spins freely. I er on the side of too tight rather than too loose and haven't had issues. If you have calipers measure the spindle, it's it's worn (from bad bearings) you'll never get it set right.

x2..

this is the method that my grandpa, father, and college instructor all swear by..

you tighten the nut down TIGHT.. (it seats the bearings and stuff)

then back the nut off till you can move the washer with a screw driver..

DO NOT pry hard against the washer, or you will break a chunk of the hub off. (ask me how i know!)