possible wheel bearing gone?
Discussion
I've had an issue with my mk3 Mondeo for a couple of years and while it doesn't seem serious I should probably fix it!
Basically, when warmed up and at speed (50+) there is a noise that sounds like air rushing when you move the steering wheel ever so slightly from centre to the right. It only has to move a fraction (like 10mm) and the noise doesn't get worse as you turn the wheel. It goes when you move the wheel left. it's not that loud - with no radio on it sounds like blowing air through your lips quietly. No noise at all if not turning the wheel (ie when driving down a road with the wheel naturally in its centre position).
I tend to hear it on motorways where there is a camber so you put a tiny amount of turn on the wheel so you keep going straight.
Its been serviced about 5 - 6 times over the last few years and had at least 3 MOTs and no one has ever said about bearings. I expect if I ask a mechanic they will think I am mad! The car has had new brakes, wheels, tyres, rear (but not front) bearings, pas pump, alignment done etc over the years but nothing makes a difference. It's not got any worse over the years either.
Am I right to suspect a very slightly worn OSF wheel bearing?
Basically, when warmed up and at speed (50+) there is a noise that sounds like air rushing when you move the steering wheel ever so slightly from centre to the right. It only has to move a fraction (like 10mm) and the noise doesn't get worse as you turn the wheel. It goes when you move the wheel left. it's not that loud - with no radio on it sounds like blowing air through your lips quietly. No noise at all if not turning the wheel (ie when driving down a road with the wheel naturally in its centre position).
I tend to hear it on motorways where there is a camber so you put a tiny amount of turn on the wheel so you keep going straight.
Its been serviced about 5 - 6 times over the last few years and had at least 3 MOTs and no one has ever said about bearings. I expect if I ask a mechanic they will think I am mad! The car has had new brakes, wheels, tyres, rear (but not front) bearings, pas pump, alignment done etc over the years but nothing makes a difference. It's not got any worse over the years either.
Am I right to suspect a very slightly worn OSF wheel bearing?
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