From digest.v6.n671 Sun May 18 05:07:41 1997
From: "Brett Anderson" <Bretta_at_webspan.net>
Date: Sat, 17 May 1997 11:10:07 -0400
Subject: Re: Do I need wheel bearings?

>
> From: yornic_at_juno.com (Brice York)
> Date: Fri, 16 May 1997 16:46:22 EDT
> Subject: Do I need wheel bearings?
>
> Thank you for your time with this -
>
> I have a 1988 535i with 135k miles. I went to a drivers' school two
> weeks ago, and during my tech inspection, I was told that my left rear
> wheel bearing is a little "loose." The person inspecting my car could
> feel a little "click" when he pulled and pushed on the wheel. He let me
> do the drivers' school that day, but told me that I should have it
> "tightened up."
>
> I have come to find out that you cannot "tighten" the wheel bearings,
> replacement is a professional job, and it is going to cost me $330.
>
> I cannot feel the "click" when I pull on the wheel. Is there a good way
> to test the wheel bearings? How loose is loose?
>
> Thank you for your help.
>
> Brice York
> 1988 535i
> Seattle
>

Obviously the person who tech inspected your car was a moron who should restrict himself to GM or Chrysler products.

Unless the wheel bearing has disintegrated to the point where the whole assembly is about to blow apart, there is no wheel movement at all. The only way to tell the bearing is bad is by listening for a noise in opposite cornering.
These bearings are a single piece hub system, they cannot be tightened and take a very long time to fail completely after they start whining.

Brett Anderson

BMW and ASE Master Technician