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MG MGF Technical - Rumbling - wheel bearing?

1996 VVC, 65k miles.

A rumbling has appeared on my 96 vvc. It's not transmission related, pretty sure. There's also a slight vibration coming up through the pedals. I'm guessing this is probably wheel bearings? I've had both front wheels off and there doesn't seem to be any noticeable lateral movement and both wheels make the same noise on rotation - but then I'm not really sure what they should sound like. Any of you guys got any other ideas? Rear bearings look relatively simple to replace but don;t much fancy the front bearings myself - think I better get booked into B&G.
G. Dickman

Are there running conditions that makes the noise better or worse? For instance, does the rumble change as you corner a bend?
Rob Bell

Rob,
I'll go and investigate a little further over lunch.
Gordon
G. Dickman

OK. Yes it does seem to be a bit worse under cornering, most noticeable at lower speeds when things are a bit quieter. There's no noticeable difference between left and right turns. Must be bearings huh?
G. Dickman

From the description, then yes, it does appear to be bearings. The odd thing though is that this is the first time I've come across an MG with noisy bearings: typically they're found with excess play, but are utterly silent.

If you are going to take the car to B&G, it may be better just to describe the noise: best not lead them into replacing bearings when they might not necessarily be the cause of this noise.

BTW - what kind of grumble? Low-pitched I assume? Changes pitch with speed? Does the sound oscillate?

Always next to impossible to guess what noises are over a text medium!!!
Rob Bell

Take the car out of gear and switch off the engine (breifly! turn back to get the red lights - that way you know the stearing lock isn't about to come on) that way you can isolate the engine and clutch)
Will Munns

BTW wheel bearings tent to get louder when you load them up, so it should grumble more throwing it left and less when right or visa versa.

You say you have checked the front - but not the rear?
Will Munns

Rob, Will,

Thanks for your input guys. I've tried the switch off and yep noise still there - must be rolling gear. And yes agreed Rob, I shall leave it to B&G to analyse and make up there own minds, but can't think what else it could be.

Gord.
G. Dickman

This thread was discussed on 14/09/2004

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