Wheel stiff to rotate while jacked. Wheel bearings gone?

[fatjoez]

Hi there

2006 polo GTI 9n3 - 80,000km

real loud whirring noise when driving especially at high speed.

jacked car up neutral gear & driver side wheel
- no left/right wiggle so the wheel was definitely on firmly.
- but SUPER STIFF to rotate. does not rotate freely at all.

wheel bearing gone?

[h100vw]

Hi there

2006 polo GTI 9n3 - 80,000km

real loud whirring noise when driving especially at high speed.

jacked car up neutral gear & driver side wheel
- no left/right wiggle so the wheel was definitely on firmly.
- but SUPER STIFF to rotate. does not rotate freely at all.

wheel bearing gone?

Could be a bearing, Polo gearboxes aren't real quiet in my opinion. My 4th gear is awful compared to 5th. How does it compare to the wheel on the other side?

Diagnosing faults over the internet is really hit and miss.

Gavin

[fatjoez]

thanks for the insights. haven't checked other side unfortunately but will do.

can you guys advise what replacement wheel bearing options are?

Do I have to buy the hub kit or can I repack / replace existing bearing?
I spoke to someone last night who said he did it but ended up replacing again after 8 months

[h100vw]

I would replace it, I haven't done one on a Polo but I reckon you need the hub off to press the old one out ad the new one in. No repacking on these.....

Gavin

[gazzmo]

Let's not rule out a sticky brake caliper

[brad]

Won't it be stiff with one wheel still on the deck? You are fighting the diff.

How stiff is it? can you turn it with one hand? Do you have to grasp the tyre with both hands & hook into it?

What happens if you push the brake pads back a few mm?

With both brake pads pushed back & both wheels off you should be able to turn the hub with one hand (unless you have a really small, feminine hand)