mojofilter

I have a howl from one of my wheel bearings (not sure which one) and the car pulls a bit to the right (another sign of a possible wheel bearing problem).

I have a 1998 GS400 with app. 32.8k miles. Thus, the front and rear wheel bearings are listed as covered by the 7 year or 70k mile powertrain warranty.

Will they still charge me some stupid diagnostic fee if I bring it in and tell them to check the front wheel bearings or should there be no charge based on the warranty? Not very familiar at all with how the warranty stuff works.

thanks,
mf

njes300

i dont think so . But i would clarify with the rep before they start

VVT-i

Bumper to bumper is 48 months and 50K( which ever comes first) and power train is 60 months and 70k miles.

DevilDog

Most dealerships will ask you to approve a fee for diagnostic, but only if it's a non-warranty repair. If it is a wheel bearing thats warranty then there is no fee. But if they inspect the car and find that the problem is not warranty, then they charge for the inspection and diagnose.

Are you sure your tires are not choppy or cupped? 9 times out of 10, it's tire noise, not bearings. This is what I see mostly.

mojofilter

DD - it ended up being tire noise, like you said. I have new Michelin Pilot Sport A/Ss on the car, though I do not know what you mean by "choppy or cupped," could you explain a bit, just for future reference?

also, you were right on the fee as well. I had to approve a $90 fee, but it came to no charge.

thanks,
mf

DevilDog

When the stock tires wear abnormal, they can develop ridges on the treads. These raised ridges or feathered tread will cause noise as you drive down the street. When inspecting the tire I'll simply run my hand along the tread and the ridges can be felt. Rather than a nice flat tread pattern. Wish I had a pic to show you.

In your case the natural tread design is causing the noise. I've seen this happen as well.

DD

mojofilter

preciate the info dd.