GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hello Eveeryone, I have been lurking for some time but decided to not be shy and ask my question. My Vibe has been making a growling noise for some time. I thought it was tires but after buy 4 new tires it is still doing it. I noticed over the past few outings that when I make a sharp left it quits. I now think it may be a bearing. After searching this site it looks as though the hub unit needs replacing? I have done all the other work on this car myself but this looks like a lot. I called around and found that nobody gave the same answer on what needed to be done. Alignment? New Bolts? Dust seal? The dealer wants $700. and said no alignment needed. I can order the hub online for $140.00 shipped. I could bring it to a local shop with my own parts. Local shops are not having any luck finding parts themselves? Do I need the dust seal? I think I can only get that at the dealer as I have had no luck looking online. Can anyone help me figure out what needs to be replaced? And does it need alignment? One last thing, would I be better bringing it to dealer or a local Mom and Pop place that is a lot cheaper and normally does great work but seemed to not know much about the Vibe? Vibe is a 2003 AWD with 4 wheel abs. Thanks a lot for any help you all can give, sorry this is so long

Well man, there are a lot of "depends"... I haven't done a AWD vibe rear wheel bearing, so I can't say 100%... I HAVE done them on my AWD Subaru.. Not an easy task.. My bearing are pressed, So I either have to have them pressed for me (after I pull it) or find someone and press them myself.. On my AWD Chevy Astro, the front wheel bearing had 3 bolts... pulled the bolts, wacked it a few times with a deadblow, and she fell right out... Took 20 min... So a lot depends.. You "may" not need an alignment, but it would always be a good idea to at least have it checked.. I can't say about the dust seal... but my subaru had 3 that needed to be pressed in... just to give you an idea... but again, not the same... Personally, I think you can do it..

Oh, BTW, over on Matrix Owners. c o m, you can DL a coppy of the service manual... I know there is a link to it, around here somewhere..

if he gets a whole hub with new bearings its pretty much undo reattach howerer you will have to undo the brakes. fair bit of work but not hard. besides proper torque specs anyone fairly capable should be able to do it.