Hi all,
When driving along (911 3.2 - 1984), I get a groaning noise coming from the front wheels. The sound is more pronounced when I turn the wheel, and when travelling above 15mph.

I did have the wheel bearings tightened, could they have been over tightened, or should they be replaced?

A year ago, I had the steering rack replaced with a Turbo rack, but I don't think this is the issue.

Thanks
John

 

Sticking caliper -

 

sounds like the typical bearing to me, tightening them just takes the slop out of them from wear and displaced grease.

 

Why did you have them tightened?

 

hi, they were tightened about 6 months ago, and the noise has go progressively worse. I have probably done 1000 miles in the last 6 months. Thanks.

 

When mine went bad, it would come and go if I hit bumps, or pulled the steering wheel back and forth. I replaced them myself, not sure I would do it again.

 

I would be concerned that the wrench my have over tightened them and possibly ruining them.
Jack up the front end of the car, grab each tire at 12 and 6 O'clock and wiggle. Any play? There should be a tiny amount.
regards
Steve

 

1985 911 Prosche

At 120K miles it needed front wheel bearings replaced.

It would groan on moving turns, especially wide sweeping ones.

Repeat: Why did you tighten six months ago ? If it was loose, bearings were shot. You may not be able to verify without removal since you tightened it.

The job is similiar to brake disc replacement. Remove caliper. 10mm hex wrench to remove locking nut on spindle. Outer will come right out on dis-asssembly. Inner may need to be pulled off by re-installing locking nut on spindle and pulling from inside. Of course replace grease seal on re-assemblly.

The hard part (assuming the bolts holding caliper are not over tightened) may be getting the grease into the new bearings. Some shops may have a pressure greasing machine that forces grease through the bearing. Perhaps purchase from a Porsche dealer and ask them to grease or order from a shop that could do it. You will need extra grease (of same type) for assemblly but not much. Wipe out old stuff.

 

"The hard part (assuming the bolts holding caliper are not over tightened) may be getting the grease into the new bearings. Some shops may have a pressure greasing machine that forces grease through the bearing. Perhaps purchase from a Porsche dealer and ask them to grease or order from a shop that could do it. You will need extra grease (of same type) for assemblly but not much. Wipe out old stuff."

I purchased a bearing greaser from Sears ($20) this last year, after years using the palm wipe force the grease in method. Wish I had bought the bearing greaser years ago!!! It makes the job a piece of cake.
regards,
Steve

 

It is possible that the the bearings wanted re-packing with grease BEFORE re-tightening - not just tightening; although new bearings often require a 'tweek' after about 500 miles. There should be a little play as they are tapered. If you do replace them do inside and outside not just outside.

PJC