Power steering?

[bfr44]

Yesterday I noticed a unusual sound while driving. Sounded like a wine or vibration and thought it may be my power steering pump starting to go. I pulled over to check the fluid and it was in normal range but there was some fluid around the outside of I and on the bottom of the vacuum pump. It only makes the noise when drivi g down the road though and not when parked turning the wheel. I also tried g it in neutral when going down the road and reving it up and didn't change anything.

Am I going down the right road or what. Seems to be more noticeable going around long corners at higher speeds. Just did front axel u joints last week, did I screw up my wheel bearings or something?

[Nashotah7]

Are you sure that your wheel bearings are tight enough? What about your hubs? When my power steering and vacuum pump went (not at the same time) there was no real noise or tell tale signs. To me, without actually hearing or driving it, I would say the hubs.

[bfr44]

I just had time to jack the front end up and found the passenger side hub had some play. I was able to turn it half a turn before I met any resistance, hope it didn't mess up the bearings. Once the ole lady gets home I'll take it for ride, kid is out cold.

[bfr44]

Took it for a ride and the noise was gone. How does one know when the bearings are ready for replacement?

[Nashotah7]

You will have a vibration or noise like you did, but more of a metallic sound. Then to truly tell if it is a bearing, you will have to take it all apart and look and feel the bearings themselves. If you see bluing on the race or the bearing itself, it has gotten hot. You may or may not have to replace it then. Then you need to clean the bearing up (de-grease it) and turn it in your hands to see if it runs smooth. Check the bearings for any wear or excessive play. Any of those conditions would warrant replacement. As long as a bearing has sufficient lube they shouldn't go bad. I pull mine about every other brake job and inspect and repack them.