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hey guys. i just wanted to get your inputs before i pulled this wheel off today and went to work on it. problem:
car shakes and makes a loud grinding noise in the passenger front wheel. basically the car is putting out all the signals of a bad wheel bearing. weird thing is when i grab the wheel to test the bearing, it dont even budge. what else could be the cause here guys? btw, brake, antilock, and trac off lights are all on

How about the CV joint? Check the boot at the wheel and see if there is any damage.

Also, does the grinding occur when turning or going straight, stopping or accelerating?

All the lights on indicate a bad wheel hub. Did you check both sides for play. Even if there is no play, there is probably a bad wheel hub.

It very well could be the wheel bearing. As far as the lights all being on, I have the same problem with my 2000 SSEI model. I have a Snap-On Ethos scanner though that reads ABS codes and after I pulled mine I diagnosed the problem into my antilock brake module pump located on driver side engine cradle in between radiator and engine. I would get the codes read first before buying that part as it is an expensive unit, I am buying mine from Ebay or junk yard, GM wants $881.00 for that item in my area.


Good luck, but sounds like bearing noise.

hey guys. well the noise is constant. it never stops. it seems to get better when turning for a second. i actually have a spare bearing for this side i bought last year just in case. im going to take off the old one right now put the new on. if the noise and vibration persist, i will move onto the CV joint. if it is a problem with the anti lock system like stevew says, well looks like ill be without anti locks for the duration of this cars life lol.

Yes, almost anytime there is a problem with the ABS system, there will be a traction and brake light. Those systems are all tied together, but with the grinding sound it pretty much has a wheel hub written all over it. The only way to know exactly what the problem is would be to got to the dealer or someone with a tech 2.

alright guys. i checked my hub/bearing. its fine actually. I'm VERY hesitant to take the old one off because i've already began to strip one of the 3 hub bolts. i'm moving to the half shaft and saying that is most likely the culprate. i have 2 pics i would like to show you and tell me what you think. you're looking at my wheel rubbing all the way through the front of my passenger front wheel well, and on the side of the rear well... could this be half shaft related??

Do you have the cover under the radiator fastened all the time? The half shaft has nothing to do with the location of the tire except in rotation only.

If the splash shield under the radiator is not fastened correctly, it will allow the inner fender to flex back with the wind and rub on the wheel. Ask Silverbullet, he replaced one already.

actually bonnie, im not too sure. i never even noticed a fastner under the radiator. is it clearly visible if i look under?

Yes, you will know if it is there or not. It is a big molded plastic sheet that covers the open area under the radiator. Where your tire has rubbed, the two holes at the bottom.................there are 2 clips that are supposed to be there to hold the fender liner to the splash shield under the radiator. If you look, I'll bet the other side has rubbed too!

Edit for picture:

you mean these bolts which are completely missing (sarcasm) lol. replacing as we speak thanks bro

Yes, if those fasteners are not there, the wind blows the wheel liner into the tire.

When I got mine, I spent at least 2 days replacing all the missing fastners, bolts, clips, bumper knobs, etc. lost in car washes, etc. I'm going to check mine. I have a noise I've been chasing for months with no luck. Sounds like something rubbing or grinding. I pick it up at speeds around 35mph then it goes away over 60mph. Funny thing is a slight application of the brakes makes it stop. I'd do anything to get rid of that noise......any ideas?

Hey, I have that sound on my 01 and I was afraid it was a wheel bearing or timing belt. Read this post and when I saw "splash guard" I knew that was it as my splash guard was loose and actually came off. Looking at the remaining splash guards the driver side's had a large ground out spot.

Pontiac Bonneville Club again!

Wow, kind of old here..........thread is almost 2 yrs old.

Yup. And there is no timing belt on a 3800....chain.