Tech Tip: Drivetrain Noises and Wheel Bearing Replacement Fresno CA
Tech Tip: Drivetrain Noises and Wheel Bearing Replacement
By Bob Dowie One of the toughest challenges we face as import specialist techs is noise complaints. These aren’t necessarily difficult from the technical or nuts and bolts perspective as much as from the diagnostic process. The first challenge is to pin down the noise that has the customer concerned. We’ve all listened to our customers struggle with trying to describe a noise and answer the questions we ask to get us on the track to a successful diagnosis and repair. In order to make an accurate assessment, we have to know some basic information. Is the noise present when the car’s still or moving? Does it change around corners or under different load considerations? Is it a growl, squeak, groan or rattle? While wheel bearing noise is one of the toughest problems for the customer to describe, it’s not unusual for it to come on so gradually that the customer may not even notice it until you mention it after an unrelated road test. Many times, the customer complaint will send you down the wrong path if you let it. We’ve heard complaints from exhaust leaks, to tire balance, to “it just doesn’t sound right,” that have ended up being bad wheel bearings. When faced with any noise complaints, take the time to test-drive the car with the customer, if that’s possible. This step not only allows you to confirm the noise you’re chasing, but it also gives you the opportunity to poi... |
