Hi everyone,

When I picked up my XE 5 000 miles ago, it had a small bearing noise around 50mph. Thought I'd wait until it gets worse, and it has. I've done some testing with a colleague, and we've come to the conclusion that:

-it is a humming noise noticeable at any speeds > 30mph, though it's covered by other noises over 80mph
-it's stronger under braking and when swerving left
-the car shudders a little under braking
-tyres seems to have little effect on that noise (we put the winter wheels to test )

All this would lead me to believe the RH front bearing is on its way out. So I was thinking of swapping both out and doing the brakes at the same time. Does that seems like the right conclusion?

PS: posting here seemed to make more sense than in the XE section, this is a non-XE specific question and I'd expect more people to see it. Hope it was right.

 

Based on your diagnostic steps, it would appear that the RH front wheel bearing is worn. I find it a good practice to replace both wheel bearings on an axle at the same time.

Yes, replacing the brakes at the same time saves labour time since they must be removed to get to the wheel bearings.

 

I second/third the conclusion. Might as well do the brakes at the same time as it is all going to be apart.

 

^^^ Yes, what they said, Haalex . . .

Excellent diagnosis. Yes to brakes. Remember to check steering links and bushes while there.
Please let us know outcome.

 

Thanks all. All I got to do now is order the parts.
Febi bearings + Zimmerman brakes come out at 530€ for the set.

Anyone know type of head the hub bolts are? Looks like T50 but I’m not sure. I need to order the right socket.

The torquing sequence is interesting. I believe it is 170nm, loosen 90°, 90nm, tighten 120°.