larryfs

Is it possible for a wheel bearing to be tight, and still make a ton of noise on the highway ?

I have this strange growling noise, grinding noise from the rear left side.
it also can sound like a dull thud thud noise.

But the wheel bearing is tight......

scranage

Half shaft U-Joints?

89vert

larryfs

I have the rear bearing out, and it seems quite on the bench. But you can see where all the grease leaked out of it.
It is normal for any of the grease to leak out past the seal, and be lying in the bottom of the aluminum spacer?

This is a bear of a job, and I'd hate to do it twice........

eschoendorff

The bearing may seem quiet on the bench, but if the grease has come out, I'm afraid that you're looking at another wheel bearing. You said the bearing was tight - did you check it for play with the wheel on the car? That's when the play is most evident. Even a bad bearing can appear tight on the bench. My .02.

C4boy

100% with Esch.

I just did my fronts and the worst one was the bearing leaking grease. It had a very noticeable amount of play at the wheel when I put it on a lift. The other bearing only had a slight bit of play and is very difficult to feel with the bearing mounted in a vise. Check your axle u-joints, too. But the rumbling sound you're describing is the same problem I had.

larryfs

what brand of bearings did you get.
my bearing was TIGHT, in fact, ZERO play on the car.
but the rumbling noise was the tell tale sign......

CentralCoaster

The grease means it overheated from friction (or was overpacked with grease from the factory) or both.

Replace it.