C5 X7 rear wheel bearing

[Johnno]

Hi all, I'm reasonably sure that a w/bearing is failing. A rhythmic rumbling allied to road speed, been getting louder over time and appearing to come from the rear (louder with rear seats down). I've raised all wheels and done the usual spin and rock test, but nothing untoward is obvious. Checking other posts on this forum suggests that this test may not be of use with this type of bearing?

MOT is coming up and I need to decide a) if it is a bearing, b)whether or not to do it myself and c) what price part to get.

The last time I did one of these bearings was on a BX years ago and I recall that the most difficult thing was that the inner race stayed on the shaft - I assume the same will happen with the C5. On the BX I (shock, horror) used a grinder to slot the race and then broke it away with a cold chisel, though I'm not keen on that idea again unless really necessary. Is heat ok?

As to confirming if it is a bearing and which side, any experience / thoughts gratefully received. As far as the part is concerned, I don't want to spend a lot as the car probably won't be my transport or even on the road for more than a couple of years more, so OE parts would seem over the top. I've seen some down to £23 (Energized Customs), with GSF (after applying their usual 'amazing discount') at £58.

Oh, and what size socket for the hub nut - 41mm?

Thanks in advance,

John.

[GiveMeABreak]

I'd really recommend you get it confirmed as bearings first , as these have a multi-link rear suspension setup like the C6.

See the diagram posted on this thread:

viewtopic.php?p=613353#p613353

[citroenguy]

Nut is 41mm
Grinder and chisel is the normal method, just use safety glasses!

[Lenny]

I've never done one but I've done similar.
Doesn't look too bad a job really.

[Johnno]

Thanks for your replies, all. I'm fairly comfortable doing this kind of thing; it just comes down to time / inclination so it is a matter of determining if it is a bearing and, if so, which one. At the lower end of the prices for parts, I 'spose I could just do both.

@Marc: Thanks for the diagrams - how could the suspension arrangement produce the symptoms I've described and how should I check?

[GiveMeABreak]

I just thought it worth a mention, given the different setup compared to previous C5 models that didn't have any of this, but if it's rumbling, you seem pretty confident you've found the actual cause. If it's not knocking, then probably the hub bearings.

[furriegurrie]

Did you check the tires for cupping?
This produces similar noises. You could try swapping front and rear tires and see if the noise changes.

[Steveo]

Hi
Not long since changed the bearings on the rear of my 2009 C5
Keep away from GSF they sent me the wrong bearing (only 4 studs) and then blamed me for ordering the wrong part, this was after giving them the registration number etc.
They have no phone communication and everything is done via email which takes an age.
Even when you give them your phone number they refuse to use it.
Please beware!

I purchased mine through energised customs and this wasn't straight forward either.

The bearing fitted and is still going strong but I was concerned because the original bearing has a flange type seal (part of the inner part of the bearing) and the cheaper version has no such seal, this meant that you could see all the balls and the grease in the bearing.
I am aware that a cover goes over the outside over the hub nut but this doesn't stop the rotational forces throwing out all the grease from the bearing therfore limiting bearing life.

Fitting the bearing was no big deal really and I was probably one of the fortunate one that didn't need to grind the old one off.
Regards
Steve