Rumbling on

QThe MOT tester noted that my Vauxhall Chevette’s front wheel bearing was grumbling, but he couldn’t fail it as it had no play. Now I’m tuned in to it, I can hear a slight rumble on the move but nothing drastic. Do I need to worry?

Dan Halford, North Shields

Matt says:

Your wheel bearing is certainly on its way out and will need replacing sooner rather than later.

The noise is an early warning that the hardened bearing surfaces are breaking up and that rapid and terminal wear is starting to take place. Sometimes, failure can be quite advanced already, so it’s best to get it changed at your earliest convenience.

Your Chevette uses a pair of taper roller bearings which should be packed with grease before fitting and tightened until play is just removed. Don’t overtighten them, or you will induce rapid and potentially dangerous failure of the replacements.