thanks for the idea guys.

i try to take it out tomorrow. is there anything i should pay attention to while removing the drum and putting it back on?

lowdownxb: its 36001 this morning. aint life grand?

 

Nope, you will need a bolt to thread in the small hole to pull off the drum (they are slightly pressed on most of the time but you may be able to pull them off by hand). Don't remember what size at the moment. You can clean the drums with brakecleaner when they are off and maybe adjust the shoes so you have slight drag when reinstalled.

 

that sucks man but i would still try anyway

 

I have an XA with 112K on it, and just replaced the rear wheel bearing, I've heard it's a fairly common problem. The symptoms are essentially a grinding/vibrating from a specific wheel at a range of speeds, regardless of accelerating or braking. The part is expensive as hell (~$300), but replacing it doesn't take too long, as long as the assembly isn't rusted too bad.

By the way, I absolutely forgot to take the e-brake off and spent over an hour trying to get the drum off...

Anyway, check the bearings. Spin the hub when you've got the drum off, if you hear it grinding still, there's a good chance your bearing is shot.

 

Here is a link for the rear wheelbearing assembly for only $167 bucks each.
http://www.car-stuff.com/store/?N=11...709+11921+5916

 

you guys were right.

the humming and 'grinding while turning' noise was the rear wheel bearing seizing.

to check for it next time, the mechanic told me to jack up the car and spin it as fast as you can, if you can hear noise oddities and such then there might be a problem. obviously, the noise will just reverb and amp up as it spins faster while driving. also you can try pushing and pulling while the wheel and drums are off. he also said to make sure the tires are balanced and that the brakes are okay.

low down xb: not only is the noise gone the dealership covered it! some dealerships still care.

stat; 06 xb with 36k, stock wheel and tire. same brakeshoes from factory.

 

glad to hear that

 

Good deal. Still shocked that the bearing would go bad so quickly. Musta been defective from the start or it never got the lube it needed from the factory.