wheel bearing

[brannen07]

my car is making a whistling noise when i am driving is it a wheel bearing? it gets louder as i go faster and it is definately coming from the drivers side front wheel i do alot of miles so i need to know what the noise is have you got any ideas please?

[brooky28]

wheel bearings make a humming noise when they've worn out rather than a whistling noise. if its your front drivers side wheel bearing it should be louder or more apparent when going around a left hand bend . hope that helps

[pug100]

Hi,
The easiest way to check a wheel bearing is to jack up the car. Once the wheel is clear of the ground grasp the top & bottom of the wheel and try to waggle it. A little movement is acceptable but significant wobble and you should replace the bearing.
If you're feeling brave here's a site telling you how to replace it yourself.
http://autorepair.about.com/cs/doityourself/a/ bl_wh_bearing1.htm

[anotheoldgit]

Easiest way is to go to your local garage or Quick Fit and tell them of your concerns and let them come up with the diagnosis. You do not have to have them fix it, if you can do it yourself.

[Clanad]

A damaged CV boot (Constant Velocity) can also cause a noise as you describe. They are inexpensive unless the CV joint has been damaged then it's a great deal more expensive. This is assuming your car is a front wheel drive variety... Here's a more complete description:
http://www.samarins.com/glossary/cv_joint.html

[heathfield]

A chafing disc brake pad can also produce such a noise.

[phizzy]

i'm a bit with heathfield on this one, does the noise disappear when you touch brake pedal, many moons ago i had a 'maxi' - cor blimey it used to drive me nuts, used to drive round just 'resting' foot on brake pedal - mine wasn't the only one - we (family) had a game - 'hear the maxi before you see it' !