Fixing Wheel Bearings

tomseeley · October 19, 2008

whatever "fixing" ends up requiring...

An answer to one of my earlier posts, about noises coming from the rear of my 2002 Sierra 2500HD dmax, made me start thinking about possible problems with my wheel bearings. I'm a truck newbie, so I'm not sure what problems I might have, or how to detect them, but I did feel of the covers on the hubs of the wheels, afer I've been driving a while at high speed. One of them is noticeably hotter to the touch than the other 3. And this is true whether or not that side of the truck has been in the sun so the sun alone doesn't seem to be causing it. And the lug nuts are hot to the touch too, more than on the other 3 wheels. Am I in trouble, or headed that way?

If "yes", is this something I MUST take to a GMC dealer to get fixed, or could any reasonably qualified tire store type of place handle it?

At the moment, I'm on an extended trip towing my RV, and I'm not sure how long it would take any place to fix it, once they had the right parts, etc. Is it reasonable to expect that it could be done in a day, once a shop got started on it, or am I likely to have to leave the truck more than a day? Either way is ok; I just need to know how to plan...

Thx

Zembonez · October 19, 2008

I'd be willing to bet the heat you describe is much more likely to be from a brake. A lot of heat gets dissipated through the rotors into the hubs and wheels. It isn't uncommon for one brake to create more heat than the other because of a slightly hanging caliper slide or sticking caliper. If that much additional heat was because of the hub/bearing assembly, you'd be able to rock that wheel from the 6 and 12 o'clock positions (with it jacked up) and feel excess play in the bearing. Once it was that bad, I'd think the noise would be more noticeable than heat.

It's certainly worth having checked whether it is brake or bearing related... especially if you are towing... Just to be safe.

Shaners · October 19, 2008

I would lean towards a brake issue too... That is not too uncommon on that year of truck.

tomseeley · October 19, 2008

I would lean towards a brake issue too... That is not too uncommon on that year of truck.

Thx both of you who answered....now to my 2nd question: should I take it to a GMC dealer or can any competent tire/wheel/brake place help me out satisfactorily?

Zembonez · October 19, 2008

I would lean towards a brake issue too... That is not too uncommon on that year of truck.

Thx both of you who answered....now to my 2nd question: should I take it to a GMC dealer or can any competent tire/wheel/brake place help me out satisfactorily?

No reason a good independent shop couldn't have a look and solve it. Plus, you'll probably get out cheaper to boot.

Good luck.