Pontiac Repair: Grand Prix drivetrain questions..., hub installation, grand prix gt


Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I have an '02 Grand Prix GT Coupe with 108,000 miles.  I have recently had my front left hub replaced, along with a tire rotation (I'm using Goodyear TripleTread tires).  I didn't really notice any whinning or vibration that usually accompanies hub problems but trusted my dealership when they told me that both front hubs need replacing but my front left was actually a hazard.

Now, I after the hub and rotation service, I have a weird vibration and audible noise from the front end.  I did take it back immediatly to the dealership the next day and the repair tech and service rep told me that I should just drive it for 'a while' and see if it goes away...well it hasn't.

I took it to the place I got the tires and they did an inspection and told me that everything looks normal on the tires and rims, no cupping or tire defects that they can see.

I guess my question is what is the next step you would take?  I'm a little concerned that the hub installation wasn't done correctly but don't know how to address it.

ANSWER: Hi Matt::

This is a case of he said she said.. My guess is this The Hubs were bad and Yes they go bad on these cars quite often and your lucky it went that many miles before you needed them. That said My guess is the hubs were replaced properly :but I can's say for sure without seeing them" I would venture to say the noise or vibartion you hard may be from the tires. those triple tread tires wear funny and are noisey especailly after a rotation and if they are not rotated every 5-6,000 miles they will wear unevenly on the back of these cars and if they are on the front now that may be why you hear/feel it.. when your driving it on a staright flat  road just turn the steering wheel slightlyto the right or to the left if the noise remains the same it's not a hub issue it's a tire issue more than likely. if the noise changes pitch or vibation then it's a hub issue. Good luck and happy holidays!


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I tried your test and I still hear the noise no matter the road surface or slight turning.  But, I suppose it could be the other hub that wasn't replaced yet...just coincidence that it just started making noise the same time the other was replaced?

Other than that, could I expect that if it is tire problems, that it would eventually fix itself?  And, if yes, how many miles would you expect it to take?

Answer
Yes tires will "clean them self's up" eventually. If indeed it's a tire issue. It depends on how bad they are worn it can take as long a one complete rotation cycle or 6,000 miles or more. Those tires have a tendency to wear unevenly it's just the nature of the tire and if the alignment is out on these cars it makes it all the much worse.