bearings..oil..and such

[tacomatrdsport2591]

Hello all!
A few questions if you wouldn't mind.......How can one be sure that a wheel bearing [or bearings] likely need replacement without pulling the wheels and finding out? Are there any sure-fire noises or feels or anything? The ride of my 87 Corolla FX16 GT-S is insanely loud inside above about 35 miles per hour...it's not engine noise or wind noise, I'm sure of that. I know tires contribute to that, but they're Firestone Firehawks, not very aggressive at all. The only other thing I can think of would be the wheel bearings. Any thoughts?.....And..I seem to have either an oil leak or a power steering fluid leak. Since I've owned the car, EVERY time I drove, no matter how short the trip, there would be small amounts of steam coming from below the exhaust manifold. And I would smell what seemed to be burnt rubber...I was thinking maybe oil is leaking from the distributer. [Not sure on the rubber smell..does oil smell similer if it's not too badly burnt? Please excuse my inexperience!] Possibly an o-ring is cracked? OR...all the power steering plumbing seems to be below the distributer in that area...and that area is ALWAYS gunky with greasy, black, messy stuff..possibly a loose hose or something? I was just wondering if anyone had any toughts to contribute or stories to share on similer matters. ANY advice at all would be great, and i really appreciate it!!! Thanks!

[glow-plug]

Go for a drive in a parkin lot, very low use paved road, when drive turn to right then left, noise change?
After the drive (be careful maybe hot) touch the hub centers, "hotness" the same, any signs of grease oozing?

Wheel bearing usually howl.

If the engine is dirty give it a cleaning, the smell could be blow-by,when engine is running open oil filler cap any smoke does it smell like that?
Don't forget to replace cap.

[tacomatrdsport2591]

Thanks for the response Glow-plug!

...Yes, I have noticed this; even at faster speeds, when I take a corner, the noise changes, it almost seems to lighten up a bit. And it is a howling, roaring noise. I don't see any signs of oozing grease...and the hotness is just about the same [although it's very hot outside, so that might be throwing it off a little].

......Does it still sound like bearing[s]? I can't think of any other culprit.


As for the engine, I clean it good every now and then. When I open the oil cap with the engine running, it doesn't smoke at all. And the engine sounds good. I am soon to take a look at the o-ring and all the bolts, etc. and see what I can find. She runs beautifully, though! Thanks again!

[glow-plug]

May as well get some wheel bearings and do replace.

Have a look in your phone book for a bearing supplier, may give better bearings at a good price.

Sounds like a good plan the bolts and o-rings.