Chevy & GMC Vans

Hey guys, im pretty sure i need a bearing on my 2003 RWD Chevy Astro because i hear a roaring noise inside which is more noticeable when turning right. Also my ABS comes on intermittently when slowly coming to a stop. I jacked up the van and checked for play at 12 and 6 but there wasnt any, the driver side did have some play at 3 and 9. Will a bad bearing always be loose at 12 and 6? and is there any other way to test which needs to be replaced?


Thanks in advance!

Yeah, that kinda sounds like bad wheel bearings. You shouldn't feel pay in any direction. Fairly cheap and easy to do. Might as well turn/replace the rotors while they are off.

To properly check the wheel bearings, you need to remove the wheel and tire, caliper and rotor. You can then spin the hub over freely and feel for any roughness or noise and look for any play. The 03 has a hub unit so no need to mess with rotors unless it's time anyway. The ABS unit is internal to the bearing and the debris from the bearings going is what is causing the ABS code.

Doh! I looked at the 91 in his sig.

If there is any doubt replace the bearings and the old race as well a race pounding tool and all the bearings will set you back about $60. Compared to having a tire come off its cheap insurance. Plus then you have a cool new tool to use in the future for the next time you need to do them. Personally I keep a spare set of greased bearings in my tool box on road trips just incase.

The other thing to check while your doing the bearings is the idler arms they are notorious for going bad and will cause a loose feeling in the front end. They are easy to swap out and can be done in around a hour and a half. Buy the moog arms they are the best ones and have grease nipples unlike the smaller weaker stock units.