pdxfj

Hello everyone,

I’ve been chasing a growling sound in my car since I bought it. The only thing I have not rebuilt or replaced in relation to the power train are the rear wheel bearings.

I have no idea how long the bearings had possibly been bad before I bought the car. I see wear on the stub axles is an issue on early cars with steel arms, but what about late?

Asking since I want to have everything on hand before tearing it apart. Has anyone seen wear on late axles like the early ones, or do they hold up better because of the one piece bearing?

Thanks!

SloMo228

I suppose it's possible, but the late-style wheel bearing/stub axle assembly is a better design that should be far less prone to wear. I know when I did mine on my 200,000+ mile '87, the axles were just fine. The only real concern I'd have is galling of the bearing surface from corrosion, but even then you could probably get away with honing the surface with fine sandpaper unless it was really bad.


​​​​​​A worn stub axle is more likely to make a knocking or clicking type sound than a growling, too. (At least that's my experience with a worn stub axle on my old '84) I wouldn't expect to have to replace them based on my experience and what you've described.

pdxfj

I was thinking along the same lines that the late style is a much better design.

I do not get any thumping or clunking. Riding in other 944's I do not hear any of the noises in those cars.

Thanks for the insight. We shall see how it goes.