Ok since changing the bushes on the wishbones i have noticed a humming noise from the front of the car that goes away when i turn/go round left bends. Now i had a chat to a mechanic friend of mine and he said it will more than likely be the drivers bearing if the noise goes away under load ( going Left ) but either way i will change them both to be safe so my question's.....

How easy are they to change?

can they be done DIY or do they need a certain tool or taking off an getting pressed out/in?

 

I don't mind buying a tool but not if I'm only gonna use it just the once 

 

And now the battery light.

 

When i first start up the car the batt light flashes intermittently and get a beeping noise everything is slow ( wipers ) dash light are dim, headlights are dim, and batt seems dead and if i have the car stood idling for a while and turn off the car the batt is dead.

now heres the weird part...

when i start the car the batt light flashes but when i reverse slow then go forward slow the light goes off and the batt starts to charge. any ideas? have checked for loose wires and can't see anything so wondered if anyone has/had the same experience?

 

 

Apart from that everything is ok

Edited 6 May, 201511 yr by hebby

Anybody have any info?

Front wheel bearings aren't a very straightforward DIY job on these, have a search around in this subforum, using the search box up there ^ on the right, and you'll find info. 

 

Charging problem sounds suspiciously like a wire that is almost broken but still just hanging in there.  As you reverse and go forward in turn, the engine will rock on its mounts, and wobble the wiring loom where it goes from 'fixed to the body' to fixed to the engine/gearbox'.  This may be just enough to push together the broken strands enough to kick the alternator into action.

 

Find the bracket on the front of the gearbox where there's a plug/socket connection that takes the alternator signal wires onward, and check that area very thoroughly.

Thought i would update about the battery problem traced the wire down to the plug under/around the starter motor ( i think ?) unclipped the plug and low and behold it had been repaired in the past and a wire had come loose from the spade connectors so got soldering iron out and made a new longer wire and repaired it properly   all done and works perfect now

Good news. How's the humming?

Gone it was the passenger side bearing. Took everything apart and took hub to garage and the guy charged me £10 to press old one out and new one in