Fiat Ducato 1997 with grinding noise

[RainbowUnicorn]

We have a 1997 Fiat Ducato motorhome with a grinding noise coming from the front right wheel. We've had 3 mechanics look at it and none of them could help us further. The guess is a wheel bearing or drive shaft, although the sound seems different. Unfortunately the last garage couldn't get the parts. Does anyone know what this could be or knows of a garage between Reading and Folkestone who could help us?

 

[steve69]

We have a 1997 Fiat Ducato motorhome with a grinding noise coming from the front right wheel. We've had 3 mechanics look at it and none of them could help us further. The guess is a wheel bearing or drive shaft, although the sound seems different. Unfortunately the last garage couldn't get the parts. Does anyone know what this could be or knows of a garage between Reading and Folkestone who could help us?

Sounds like wheel bearing.

 

[pagey]

Sounds like a wheel bearing parts should be available from coastal motorhomes google them

 

[slowcoach65]

Had similar with my camper. Two tyre specialist and a garage failed to diagnose the wheel nuts had not been tightened!!

 

[stevewagner]

If it’s worse when you turn it could be the CV joint

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[Mike800966]

You might find it changes as you drive around a bend- I would suspect wheel bearing as you are increasing the load on that side but if it changes when you turn steadily in a radius its more likely the CV joint- is the gasket in good condition on the CV? Take a decent mechanic for a ride in it.
Mike

 

[donkey]

Some models have an intermediate bearing midway along the offside drive shaft, this could also be the cause of your noise.

Geoff

 

[RustyRuss]

(1)Does the grinding noise get louder or change frequency as you go faster? (2)Does it sound louder or change frequency when turning right, or turning left? (3)Is there a knocking noise when on full lock turning right or left? (4)Do the brakes pull to one side or the other? (5)When the wheel is off the ground and you grip it at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock and pull and rock the wheel does it move more than 0.5mm backwards/forwards? (6)Do the same with hands at 3 o’clock & 9 o’clock, does it move more than 0.5mm Side to side?
(1) Very likely to be a wheel bearing or a drive shaft bearing, the wheel bearing is inside the hub of the wheel and should be cinch for a garage to fix, parts circa £20? Drive shaft bearing is in the differential housing attached to the gearbox also simple to fix, parts circa £40. Labour for both an hour/two hours?
(2) Almost definitely a wheel bearing do checks (5) & (6)
(3) Almost definitely a constant velocity or CV joint, parts about £80, two hours to fit.
(4) Brakes binding, is one disc thinner than the other? They should be changed as an axle set/pair. Is one side’s pads more worn than the other? Does the outer edge of the brake disc rub on the brake caliper because the disc is very worn and the pads are near the end of their life? Replacement discs & pads probably about £100/pair and an hour total to replace.
(5)&(6) wheel bearing see above.

Hope that helps?! I’m sure others will offer their opinions of my diagnoses!

As always, let us know what the answer was so that your post will help others.

Cheers!

Russ

 

[jockaneezer]

The OP's not been back online since 14 minutes after posting, hey ho !