I have a 2001 Chevy Cavalier with 152,000 miles. For about the past 2 weeks, when I make a left turn especially, there is a rubbing, or clicking sort of noise coming from what sounds like one of my drivers side tires. My mechanic said it is probably the wheel bearing. I’ve had 4 new tires put on about 2 months ago, so I’m thinking that’s not it. My question is, do you folks think it is the wheel bearing, going by what I’ve described?. the car doesn’t do anything else out of the ordinary except for that. What would be the approx. cost to get this fixed, and is the car (for the most part) still safe to drive? I commute 50 miles each day to and from work. THANKS!!
My guess is a worn CV-joint.
Cost will vary from coast to coast although the labor time may be the same.
Safe to drive? Until it breaks.
Have a tech check the cv-joints’ rubber boot for cracks. If it is cracked, it’s likely thrown the grease out and it is now dry.
Have it changed.
I agree. The CV joints are the first thing to look at.
So my tire isn’t going to “fall off” at any given time is it, assuming its the CV joint?
No the tire won’t fall off, but the end of the axle could pull out of the joint and then the car will not go anywhere. That won’t happen soon, but it could happen eventually, had it happen to my son.
Your mechanic will probably recommend a remanufactured axle. I would strongly recommend against it. I have never seen a reman that wasn’t someone else’s worn out junk with heavier grease and a new boot. For about the same money, you can get a brand new aftermarket axle. They are made in China, but the quality is near that of a new OEM axle, but no where near the cost of a new OEM.
Thanks for the info. And what would something like that run me, approximately?