How to test for a worn wheel bearing

[coley20]

Im pretty sure I need a new wheel bear, got a rumbling which seems to get worse when i bare left.

To test should I, jack the car up spin the wheel and see if there is any play?

Also is it an easy thing to change or best leave it for a garage?

(E39 530d)

[dave_s13]

Jack car up, grab top and bottom (or left/right) of wheel and check for lateral play. Don't think there should be much.

Try googling "e39 wheel bearing"

[PJ S]

Side to side is best for bearing, as top-bottom could show upper wishbone knuckle joint issue.
Supposed to be a bit of singing at anything over 40, so window down and listen.

[bazking69]

Most noticable at 50-56MPH, and gets a little quieter above that?

[jkennyd]

Side to side is the way to go. Listening for the whine while driving. You may even feel it without having to jack it up (sounded a bit sexual that last part )

[ChasW]

This has happened to me three times. Grating noise can usually be detected when car is jacked up and you spin the wheel.

If it's not under warranty just take it to local garage. It's a routine job.

[Deano_BMW]

check your CV joint/boot too

[SJobson]

My BMW specialist says wheel bearings on the E39 are a nightmare to diagnose because they don't really have any play even when they're properly going. He wasn't trying to sell me new bearings; he told me not to bother replacing them.

[coley20]

guess ill just wait and see what mot brings up the rear one seems to have a bit of play im worried its the diff

[mr.man]

Just one thing about E39 wheel bearings and that is that I replaced both front bearings only to discover they weren't really worn. The rumbling noise was coming from the TYRES just as my main dealer suggested it could be but I didn't believe them. Changed from Continentals to Eagle F1's and no more noise.

[SJobson]

My Goodyear F1s make loads of noise on some surfaces, so they're not a panacea.

[ChasW]

Although my experience was with non-BMW if the problem is wheel bearings the noise will get worse

[ChasW]

Although my experience was with non-BMW if the problem is wheel bearings the noise will get worse