X5 4.8is e53 2005 wheel bearing problem

[David Kot]

I've replaced recently front right wheel bearing on my car it's been good only for about 10 miles and stated being noisy again why?
Hi quality FAG oem part used hub pulled out and pressed in with extra care using special tools for that job something must be wrong but I don't believe in wheel bearing being faulty, I've used FAG in all my previous German cars and never had a problem until now. I've heard on some forum hub (wheel bearing flange) supposed to be replaced together with a bearing to make it good why ? I don't understand that's a solid piece of metal what difference does it make?
Thanx for any clever explanation or solution
Dave

[shadrack]

[quote="David Kot"]
I've replaced recently front right wheel bearing on my car it's been good only for about 10 miles and stated being noisy again why?
Hi quality FAG oem part used hub pulled out and pressed in with extra care using special tools for that job something must be wrong but I don't believe in wheel bearing being faulty, I've used FAG in all my previous German cars and never had a problem until now. I've heard on some forum hub (wheel bearing flange) supposed to be replaced together with a bearing to make it good why ? I don't understand that's a solid piece of metal what difference does it make?
Thanx for any clever explanation or solution
Dave
[/quote]

you can f$$k them if you press them in wrong, don't ask how but this happened on the first one my bro did (mechanic) then the next two (one to replace the faulty one) were fine

[David Kot]

What brand of bearing did you use? How did you pressed it in ? I've used that:

[shadrack]

cant remember it was febi/fai, no idea how he pressed it in as he took it to work to do, but when we put it all together it had more play in than the old one, then got another bearing he took it again, this time all was well, then did other side all was well, did another 10k in that car, then sold all well, this wwas on my first x5 3.0i

[David Kot]

My old one didn't have any play, new one either it's all about noise it's making...

[TimX5]

[quote="David Kot"]
What brand of bearing did you use? How did you pressed it in ? I've used that:

[/quote]

I like that fitting kit where did you get them please.

[David Kot]

Bought it in Germany but you may possibly buy something similar at eBay... any suggestions on wheel bearings?
@shadrack - did you replace flanges as well, or just bearings?

[shadrack]

just bearings i think was all that was in the box, then as i said i gave them to my bro but didnt see what he did as his workshop is 4,500 feet underground )

[David Kot]

Can you kindly ask him what he have done wrong at the first attempt please, maybe that will give me some clue...

[shadrack]

will do, ill see him tmoro

[David Kot]

Thanx man

[RChaloner]

Hello Folks, new here, but noticed that the issues you're discussing are common to any pressed bearing assembly.
The easiest  (and definite) way to damage the bearing during assembly is if the drift being used to press the new bearing in is touching or applying pressure to the wrong race.
Key thing is that the pressure / force is only applied to the raceway (the cylindrical chunk metal the rollers run in) which is in contact with the surface being pressed against.
For a bearing being pressed into a hollow hub, you must only press on the outer race,
For a bearing being pressed onto the outside of a stub axle, you must only press on the inner race.

If the massive pressures generated are applied to the wrong cylindrical part (especially where the inner race may often protrudes a millimetre or two from the outer by design) this force goes through the bearing rollers and the bearing surfaces whilst stationary and greatly risks denting / cracking them.

On a slightly tangential note, are you sure it's bearing noise?
If the new bearing is believed to be good, is there any chance you could be hearing dragging disk pads (sticky calliper pistons) or CV joint damage, if the boot have ever been run damaged and allowed grit in?

Don't know if any of that actually helps?!

That bearing puller kit on the left in your pic is the same I have, it's damn good and strong, got it from ebay seller I think, definitely UK.

[David Kot]

@RChaloner thanx for detailed write up , I'm sure it will help many people to avoid bearing damage during installation.
Only thing is .. Me myself, I'm aware of it all... I'm a perfectionist by nature lol that's why I didn't let anyone to do it for me , I rather invest in expensive tools and do it myself to avoid human error... As I've mentioned earlier , can't really imagine anyone doing it more accurate and correct taking all you've mentioned above into account as well than myself.
So based on that theory you've mentioned at the end, that noise may be generated elsewhere , it makes perfect sense. Only thing is, based on my own experience and tests, brakes make different noise usually combined with vibrations and steering wheel shake , cv joints make also different and quite specific noise that isn't dependant on lateral load on the wheel, I'm suspecting one of my front Michelins to be a cause ... I'm gonna put my 350£ bet on it and replace two fronts on Kumho and see what happens...  everyone who's been in my car so far said 100% wheel bearing, I thought that myself too that's why I've replaced one...
I've had a tires that have perfectly imitated noise of damaged wheel bearings before, but that theory has gone to bin as I really have a big trust in Michelin and used many sets down to 2 mm without any problems... tomorrow will tell
If it's tires I'll get myself a nice lager for that

[David Kot]

Just a quick update... tyres replaced... and answer is... yes it was tires making grinding like wheel bearing noise ... Nice and smooth now, I have actually started enjoying this car now... Thanx guys