Tie rods and wheel bearings

On my 1998 S70T5, I've gone through numerous problems lately. I've
replaced my engine mount bushings and both left and right CV joints be/c
of torn boots. Now, I'm looking to fix the humming sound I hear from the
front passenger side.

After the person did the work on my driver's side CV joint, he mentioned a
problem with my right side tie rods. I didn't mention it to him before, so
I don't think he was just making it up to make extra money.

My humming sound sounds rotational. Would a tie rod replacement (inner and
outer) be the culprit? I have read about wheel bearings or even an
unbalanced wheel making sounds. I don't have the means to lift the car and
look around, so any suggestions to what I should be looking for or
listening for would be great.

I plan on letting a mechanic fix the problems, but I'd also like to buy
the parts from FCP Groton beforehand to save money. So, any extra help
about what I need would be great.

Mike

 

Check your front strut dampers. If one of these fail it can cause early
failure of the tie rods. The humming sound may be related to replacement of
the CV joints.
You may want to take it to another shop for a second opinion.

Spanky

 

The hum was already there. I was hoping the sound would have gone away
after the rebuild.

mike

 

If the CV joint was driven in a worn out condition for a long distance or at
high speed, I wonder if that could cause the driveshaft bearing to wear out?

Spanky

 

You don't need expensive lift equipment to test for a bad wheel bearing.

Simply drive 'till you hear the hum/groan.

Now, on a roadway without traffic, load the side you think the noise is
coming from by turning the wheel slightly, kinda weaving the car. (do this
on dry pavement).

The noise may not go away. Now load it in the opposite direction, noise
goes away? It's the wheel bearing.

CVs are constant velocity, they only make noise when they are being roated
on their axis (typically). They 'click', at low speeds because the balls
are loose in their cage.

Take out your spare tire jack, jack up the offending bearing side, make
certain the vehicle is secure. Grab the wheel top and bottom, and see if
there is any play or any movement on this axis. Now turn the wheel by hand,
fairly quickly. The bad bearing may be heard at this point.


For the tie rod end, place the car back on the ground. Have someone sit
behind the wheel, look at the tie rod end and have your assistant gently
turn the steering wheel in either direction, just slightly to load the tie
rod end. If there is play before the entire assembly starts to move, the
tie rod end is bad. You can park beside a curb and load the wheel with more
force, there should be VERY minimal play whatsoever. You can also feel the
play in the steering wheel.

I have a bad tie rod end, this is how I checked it, and luckily it is easy
enough for me to replace. I will need an alignment after though.

Tie rod ends are a highly stressed component, and it is ALWAYS being loaded
(unless you only drive straight). Have it replaced, and have it replaced
with a good quality unit. Alignments are expensive, paying a few extra
bucks for a part that lasts longer is a good idea, one without a grease
fitting is a good option.


ALSO, most mechanics do not like having people bring them parts. They can't
make any profit this way, and some will refuse the work. I certainly would.
It would be like being an electrician and wiring someone's home, the home
owner providing you with all the wire and outlets, where this is where your
profit margin is and the entire reason for being in business. Do you bring
your own steak to a restaurant??

Unless of course your mechanic doesn't mind, some don't. I do 98% of my own
work, mechanics HATE that. The only thing I can't do is an alignment (well,
a string alignment no problem), and I can't mount/balance tires anymore
(sold my machine, I'm just a home mechanic/hobbyist!

Cheers

 

I was talking about the bearing on the other side of the CV joint from the
wheel bearing.

BTW, the Volvo dealership doesn't mind when I bring them parts because they
are not set up to order anything but OEM parts.

Spanky

 

Oh, your subject said wheel bearings..

sorry about that.