Nissan Repair: Wheel Bearings and Gas smells, fuel tank sending unit, wheel bearings

Question
What are the symtoms of a bad front wheel bearing
for a 1997 Maxima. Is it difficult to replace to
bearing as a do it your self project? Also what
would cause the inside of a 2002 Altima to smell
like gas. There are no gas line leaks?

Thanks

Aaron P.

Answer
Hi Aaron, Symptoms of a bad wheel bearing is a rumbling sound when driving that can vary a bit depending on the road surface. Check front tires for choppy inside wear which can also be noisy and mistaken for a wheel bearing. If suspect tire is found. Rotate to rear and see if sound goes to rear. If it is a very bad wheel bearing you can raise the front end . Put car in gear and listen near each spinning front wheel while it spins for a noise. Only one wheel will spin using this method and other can be held stationary while puting into gear to check other side. If it is not bad enough of a bearing you might not hear anything without the bearing being loaded. " weight of vehicle on bearing" At the shop we use an electronic listening device called "Chassis ear" with Alligator clips attached to steering Knuckle and head phones to isolate less obvious noises to a side or area. The steering Knuckle has to be removed from the strut ball joint and tie rod end. and bearing pressed in and out. It is not really a D.I.Y. job unless you have access to a bearing press. On your gas smell on an Altima. If you are sure there are no fuel line leaks. It is possible the fuel tank sending unit seal may be improperly installed or cap loose. You can remove the rear seat bottom by lifting sharply at each front bottom corner. In the middle there is an access panel to the fuel tank sending unit secured by half turn Phillip release fasteners. Under this panel you will see the fuel tank sending unit cap. There is a special tool to tighten it. But you can check for leakage her as it will be evident. You can even try and turn the cap clockwise and see if it will tighten any by hand. Usually if this seal is leaking bad enough your "Check Engine' light will come on with an Evap leak code. Hope this helps. Mike