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2000 Chevrolet Venture – “clicking noise” misdiagnosed by my mechanic
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agarb
New User
Feb 12, 2007, 10:55 AM
Post #1 of 6
(3587 views)
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2000 Chevrolet Venture – “clicking noise” misdiagnosed by my mechanic
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A noise recently developed on my 2000 Chevrolet Venture. It is a clicking noise that gets faster and louder as the vehicle goes faster. When stopped, with the engine running, there is no noise.
Last week, a local shop used a “chassis ear” to diagnose the problem as the left front wheel bearing. In addition to $100 to diagnose the problem, they wanted $325 for the replacement part and $120 to install it. I thought their price was too steep and I told them not to do the repair.
On Saturday, I bought a new hub and bearing assembly at the local parts store for $120 and installed it myself. Problem is, the noise is still there, unchanged. I called the local shop and politely expressed my displeasure in their misdiagnosis. They offered to take another look for the problem or refund my $100 diagnosis fee. I decided to give them another chance and will take the vehicle back to tomorrow.
Any thoughts on what the problem might? Could it be a CV joint? I certainly don’t hear any clunking noises when turning.
Any thoughts on what the responsibility of the local shop should be towards correcting their misdiagnosis? What are my ethical obligations are to fairly compensate the shop for their time in this situation?
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
Apr 2, 2009, 5:59 PM
Post #2 of 6
(3499 views)
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Re: 2000 Chevrolet Venture – “clicking noise” misdiagnosed by my mechanic
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I have the same problem. It is hard to replace wheel bearing, to put it in and expensive. The easiser solution is to go to a used car parts place and buy a slihghly used wheel hub (it includes the bearing too) - costs about 30$. Any mechanic can put it in for 50 $, much easier to replace the hub than the wheel bearin.
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flgmtech1
User
Apr 3, 2009, 3:18 AM
Post #3 of 6
(3494 views)
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Re: 2000 Chevrolet Venture – “clicking noise” misdiagnosed by my mechanic
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they may have diagnosed it for a Hub noise, but this is generally a noise that starts out at around 35 and gets louder the faster you go, it also is more of a loud humming that gets louder, things to note is that they may have told you the wrong side, the best way to make sure it is a hub issue is to turn the wheel when the nois is present at a steady speed and if turning toward the left or right it eases up or stops it can help to justify a hub noise, although if it does not change it could also mean both front hubs are affected, not common, but does happen. Also, if you still have the hub you took off, take it and put it on the side you did not touch as they are interchangeable and see if the noise stops. It is easier to jack the front end and secure with stands and using a stehescope listen to both hubs while someone slowly increases the speed in drive, BUT BE VERY CAREFUL! This can go very badly if you are not careful!
I have not heard to many hubs that created a Clicking noise, my recommendation is in this time of economic down turn to shop around to multiple dealers who can offer second opinions.
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DanD
Veteran
/ Moderator
Apr 3, 2009, 4:08 AM
Post #4 of 6
(3491 views)
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Re: 2000 Chevrolet Venture – “clicking noise” misdiagnosed by my mechanic
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You’ve just received a lesson that automotive repairs are not always, black or white/ this or that.
The repair facility no doubt thought that was the noise and would not have made their recommendations if they honestly thought that; who wants to be proven wrong?
Chasing noises around a vehicle can be a very difficult thing; especially if the noise cannot be reproduced in the shop on a hoist. I still haven’t found a Tech that’s willing to risk injury by hanging on to the outside of a vehicle while driving down the road. LOL
It’s unfortunate that they were wrong but with you not allowing them to perform the repairs; we really don’t know how they would have handled the situation?
All I can go by is what I would have done; in this situation. I would have openly admitted that I only thought the hub/bearing assembly was the cause and added a disclaimer that it might not be; we would have to try it to confirm it. Then if it didn’t cure the problem we’d have to work together on finding the root cause. What I mean by working together; is that I would be on my time for the labour; for the rest of the checking. Keeping you informed every step of the way; while in search of the gremlin. I know don't say it; hind sight is 20/20; but after many years in the trade I’ve learnt to keep everyone in the loop and explain what we’re up against.
The way it sounds this repair facility is willing to do something to help you; with what they’ve offered. When they do find the cause of the noise, is when the rest of this story will play out; we don’t know what their policies are?
Ask them before you allow them to proceed; with round two, in this adventure.
As for you finding a cheaper bearing and doing the work yourself that’s good; everyone wants to save a buck. But know the repair facility is going to have to inspect your repairs making sure that they were performed properly and completely. Things like; were the fasteners tightened with a torque wrench to the proper value, did the brake rotor get checked for excessive run-out (warp-age), and were all the mating surfaces properly cleaned?
Also just a word of warning; second line wheel bearings; as far as I’m concerned, are junk. The first hard road shock from a pot hole and that bearing will begin to degrade at a very high rate. The factory or their equivalent after market bearings are not lasting; why would a sub standard one? There’s more then just the packaging that makes a first line bearing more expensive.
As for the guest that replied; with their comment of used bearings; well all I can say there is that they’re talking out the south end of a north bound moose. LOL
There's a reason that we refer to a salvage yard as a JUNK YARD. There are something’s that just can’t be put back into service, without them failing; bearings are one of them.
Dan.
Canadian "EH"
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
Apr 7, 2009, 8:14 AM
Post #5 of 6
(3471 views)
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Re: 2000 Chevrolet Venture – “clicking noise” misdiagnosed by my mechanic
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Hi, Original Poster here. Talk about a blast from the past! My original post was over two years ago. I finally got the problem fixed, no help from the shop, though. I realized that if I slightly depressed the e-brake the clicking would go away. I pulled the rear wheels and found the shoes needed replaced. I also had a leaking wheel cylinder on the driver side. After replacing these items myself, the clicking has been banished to just a painful memory. Hope this can help somebody else.
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way2old
Veteran
/ Moderator
Apr 7, 2009, 3:28 PM
Post #6 of 6
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Re: 2000 Chevrolet Venture – “clicking noise” misdiagnosed by my mechanic
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Thanks for coming by and letting all of us know the fix. Might help another poster.
Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
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