Author Topic: 2012 CX-9 possible rear wheel bearing problem  (Read 604 times)

Northwoods

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2012 CX-9 possible rear wheel bearing problem
« on: December 18, 2024, 10:39:44 PM »
Our 2012 CX-9 AWD has what we think, based on noises, a bad rear wheel bearing.  But, I'm no expert.  How do I diagnosed the actual problem?  Thinking getting the rear end up on jack stands, chock front wheels, put car in neutral and spin the wheel by hand while listening.

But, what if it's the differential?  Or something else?  What do I need to identify for getting the dx correct?
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tokugawa

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Re: 2012 CX-9 possible rear wheel bearing problem
« Reply #1 on: December 18, 2024, 11:49:23 PM »
Our 2012 CX-9 AWD has what we think, based on noises, a bad rear wheel bearing.  But, I'm no expert.  What do I need to identify for getting the dx correct?

A good mechanic.

dogmush

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Re: 2012 CX-9 possible rear wheel bearing problem
« Reply #2 on: December 19, 2024, 06:31:36 AM »
Jack the wheel up and put a jackstand unde the control arm.

Make sure the car is in neutral and the brakes are off so that the wheel can spin.

Grab the wheel at 6 and 12 o'clock and attempt to wiggle it in and out on a vertical axis. You're looking for any axial play in the bearing.  Any discernable movement of the hub in relation to the spindle is bad, and calls for bearing replacement.

K Frame

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Re: 2012 CX-9 possible rear wheel bearing problem
« Reply #3 on: December 19, 2024, 07:24:46 AM »
'Grab the wheel at 6 and 12 o'clock and attempt to wiggle it in and out on a vertical axis. You're looking for any axial play in the bearing.  Any discernable movement of the hub in relation to the spindle is bad, and calls for bearing replacement.'

This.

That's how I figured out the wheel bearing on my 77 Maverick was on its way out.

There are also a lot of videos on Utoob giving additional tips.

As for the dif, when you have it up in the air check the fluid level and consider changing the lubricant.
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Northwoods

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Re: 2012 CX-9 possible rear wheel bearing problem
« Reply #4 on: December 21, 2024, 06:36:08 PM »
No play.  But when rotating the wheel by hand there a grinding noise.  I'm assuming that's the diff.
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Bogie

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Re: 2012 CX-9 possible rear wheel bearing problem
« Reply #5 on: December 21, 2024, 07:19:06 PM »
If you can, run a broomstick from Suspected Part to your ear, and have someone play with the mechanics while you listen...
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dogmush

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Re: 2012 CX-9 possible rear wheel bearing problem
« Reply #6 on: December 21, 2024, 07:21:25 PM »
No play.  But when rotating the wheel by hand there a grinding noise.  I'm assuming that's the diff.

More likely brakes.  If the diff is grinding audibly at hand rotation speeds, it's not long for this world.
« Last Edit: December 22, 2024, 07:58:19 AM by dogmush »

Bogie

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Re: 2012 CX-9 possible rear wheel bearing problem
« Reply #7 on: December 21, 2024, 07:25:24 PM »
Huh? I'm figuring that's going to be rear disk, if it does turn out to be the brakes, and while it could make a bit of noise, even a fresh caliper would be a simple fix...
 
But - don't try to find your problem. Try to find THE problem.
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Northwoods

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Re: 2012 CX-9 possible rear wheel bearing problem
« Reply #8 on: December 21, 2024, 08:20:05 PM »
More likely brakes.  If the difference is grinding audibly at hand rotation speeds, it's not long for this world.

Only have 1 jack stand.  With the right rear wheel up, and in neutral I'd have to back up the wheel then go forward.  Noise only on the forward rotation.
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dogmush

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Re: 2012 CX-9 possible rear wheel bearing problem
« Reply #9 on: December 22, 2024, 08:08:25 AM »
I'm not there, so I'm only saying what I've seen on other cars, and is likely, not necessarily your problem, as Bogie sa8d.

That said, an AWD Cx9 is going to have some kind of limited slip dif in there, and if you are turning the wheel slowly by hand, and that slip is grinding you've got a real problem.

Maybe jack it up again, put it on a jackstand and lie with your head under the CV shaft while someone else turns the wheel to make the grinding noise.  That will help localize it to outboard (bearing, brake, wheel/hub assembly)  or inboard (dif.).

Again, I'm not there, but usually when I hear grinding from a wheel on a car that otherwise doesn't show drive train issues, it's wheel bearing and/or brakes. Could be bent dust shield, could be wheel bearing allowing rotor to be out of true with weird wear, I've even seen a bearing bad enough that it let the wheel rub the shock.  Hard to say without looking at it.

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Re: 2012 CX-9 possible rear wheel bearing problem
« Reply #10 on: December 22, 2024, 09:06:19 AM »
Quote
But - don't try to find your problem. Try to find THE problem
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French G.

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Re: 2012 CX-9 possible rear wheel bearing problem
« Reply #11 on: December 22, 2024, 10:13:32 AM »
And Santa is going to bring you four GOOD jackstands for Christmas.  You can have a bearing that sounds like a gravel truck without a lot of play yet.  Brakes also likely.  Drain the diff, if it is the problem you will have plenty of metallic evidence.
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Re: 2012 CX-9 possible rear wheel bearing problem
« Reply #12 on: December 22, 2024, 10:24:06 AM »
Could be brakes, I'd pull the caliper and pads off and see if it's still grinding when you spin it. Isolate possible problems one at a time.
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Northwoods

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Re: 2012 CX-9 possible rear wheel bearing problem
« Reply #13 on: December 23, 2024, 04:40:40 PM »
Heat shield clips broke and it was resting on the drive shaft.
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Brad Johnson

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Re: 2012 CX-9 possible rear wheel bearing problem
« Reply #14 on: December 23, 2024, 05:28:19 PM »
Always good to discover it's a simple fix.

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