Now I can't believe that I am the only one to experience this phemon. Last month I'm out on a very nice day trip when all of a sudden a horrible racket starts from the front wheel. So after removing the wheel cover I find that the bearing dust cap is banging around making this noise. Down to the auto store for new caps and I installed them. Today the same thing happened. What is causing this to happen and is there a cure?

 

did you peen it on or just set it in?

use a broad rubbet mallet with some weight, or a 2x4 and a steel hammer and smash it on till it seats, you'll notice a difference in sound if your usin a block of wood when it seats

 

You aren't loosing a wheel bearing are you?

I would at least jack up the car and check for looseness.

 

Yes, you should check your wheel bearings. When was the last time you greased them. It might be a good time to pull the hub, clean, inspect and grease the bearings. When you're finished, use a drift punch around the edges of the caps to seat them all around.

 

Thanks for the advice. The wheel bearings have been inspected and repacked about 500 miles ago. I set the cap using a steel pipe with the same diameter as the flange. It may need to be set with a blow to the center portion to increase the tension on the drum. I'll give it a try.