[bmw] RE: 535 rear end noise

["bokaie" <bokaie@xxxxxxxxx>]

Thanks for the response....

We have replaced the drive shaft on the car a few years ago.  I think
the noise is coming from the wheels and not the drive shaft.  I will do
your experimentation.  I also have a Haynes manual and will look into
what it takes to make the fix.  I am not clear on the difference between
the CV and the wheel bearing.  I think that I can get to the wheel
bearing by removing the wheel and work myself inwards... 

Thanks, David

-----Original Message-----
From: Doug Dykaar [mailto:dykaar@domain.elided] 
Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2003 2:40 PM
To: bmw@domain.elided
Cc: "bokaie"
Subject: RE: 535 rear end noise


David,

You need to determine if the wheel bearing is bad, or if the CV joint is
bad. Once the rubber boot is torn, the grease leaks out, eventually
followed by the steel balls. A friend of mine backed his rabbit out of
the drive way and the rabbit pooped CV balls into the street.

A bad bearing will whine louder under load (don't we all), so turning
should increase the noise on the side with the suspect bearing. A
failing CV will make more noise under acceleration, i.e. greater load.

Removing your car from either the CV axle or the bearing will require a
manual, especially if you've never done it before.

Even though I have a fair amount of experience removing my car from
various bits, I have yet to do a rear wheel bearing.

If it is a CV, you may find it cheaper to replace the entire half shaft.

Finally, consider the other elements in the drive train, on my e28 535,
the drive shaft went south, and the rubber guibo has long since been
replaced.

YMMV,

-doug

Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2003 14:14:55 -0800
From:
Subject: [bmw] 535 rear end noise

Hi,

On my 89 535, for a while now, I hear this noise coming from the rear
wheels.  I suspect it is a rear wheel bearing.  The boot over the rear
axle has ripped as well.

Was wondering if some one has experience with fixing this and can tell
me how I can get to rear wheel bearing.  Also if the are other sources
for this kind of noise, I would appreciate your comments.

Thanks,

David
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