2014 S60 Front L wheel bearing R&R

Azureblue · May 27, 2024

Is making low pitch humming noises. I shook the wheel, top and bottom, and Left and right, but no play I could feel. So I assume it's the FL Wheel bearing, anyway.
I see hubs for sale, and an occasional bearing. I have replaced wheel bearing before, so I can go that route.
First question - am I correctly identifying the thrumming noise as a wheel bearing?
Second, I see replacing the hub takes more tear down, but which replacement method do you guys suggest?

Thanks

AM Reed · May 27, 2024

P3 front wheel bearings require special tools to remove and install. It is not like the wheel bearing on a P1 or P2. The tool costs almost as much as a new knuckle from Volvo with the bearing already installed. If I was dealing with any rust, I'd probably just replace the entire knuckle and bearing assembly rather than fight with removing the bearing.

wagonswede · May 27, 2024

You typically need a hydraulic press and the special tool to remove the wheel bearing.

To positively diagnose the noise either removed the knuckle and the bearings from the car and feel it by hand, or lift up the car, start it, put in 6th gear and press the pedal. You should now hear where the noise is coming from.

It could very well be the driveshaft support bearing.

msmith · May 27, 2024

Just had my bearings done a little over a week ago. Car was humming a little around 70km/h (43mph) and then went away over 85km/h (52mph) or so. Would come back at highway speeds around 120km/h (74mph). Indi shop suggested changing them. My S60 T6AWD has 144,500km (89,800m) on it. Have heard from others is normal for wheel bearings to go between 140,000 and 160,000km.
All in with new bearings and an alignment it was almost $2,000. The bushing on one of the lower control arms apparently broke while doing mine. The indie only charged me his cost for a control arm/bushing and no labour to replace.

Azureblue · May 27, 2024

To positively diagnose the noise either removed the knuckle and the bearings from the car and feel it by hand, or lift up the car, start it, put in 6th gear and press the pedal. You should now hear where the noise is coming from.
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To all:
Yeah, I did a Front WB on my RWD Volvo - a lot easier than what you describe.. I can just replace the hub, IF that is it. I never thought it could be the L side driveshaft support bearing. Especially on a car that just turned 100K miles...
I replaced one on my previous 2002 V70, so I will guess the job is pretty much the same?

Azureblue · May 27, 2024

PS Since the hum stays at constant pitch, I am thinking it may be the drive shaft. I notice the volume seems to go down after some highway driving.
And I don't see a center support bearing on the left side drive shaft - an I missing something?

Oceans60R · May 27, 2024

Nothing needs to be removed for a wheel bearing diagnosed.
Get yourself an Automotive Stethoscope, they are $10 on Amazon. Jack up wheel you think is culprit and spin with the stethoscope near the wheel bearing. You will hear the grinding from the bad one. Both front tires off the ground makes it easier to spin both and compare. Putting in neutral is an option if you can only do one side at a time. Set parking brake too.

You can also use a long screwdriver and put the tip near the bearing and your ear on the handle. Works in a pinch.

Azureblue · May 29, 2024

Thanks - unfortunately a hearing loss makes using a stethoscope impossible for me, but thanks anyway. I shook the wheel, and didn't feel any play in it, in either direction.
If the Left side axle doesn't have a bearing, then what else could it be?

Fooj · May 29, 2024

Azureblue said:
Thanks - unfortunately a hearing loss makes using a stethoscope impossible for me, but thanks anyway. I shook the wheel, and didn't feel any play in it, in either direction.
If the Left side axle doesn't have a bearing, then what else could it be?

No play doesn’t mean much. It’ll make noise long before it has play

Azureblue · May 29, 2024

Thanks - I believe that, at least, because there isn't anything else there that sounds like a bearing hum..

wagonswede · May 29, 2024

If you cant hear it, you need to peform one of the two options I already listed above

2014 S60 Front L wheel bearing R&R

Azureblue

AM Reed

wagonswede

msmith

Azureblue

Azureblue

Oceans60R

Azureblue

Fooj

Azureblue

wagonswede

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