I just purchased a 2004 XC70 with 140k miles. There is a roaring sound from the left rear bearing that changes with road speed. I raised the car and found that there is no play in the rear bearing, but I can hear a noise even when rotating the wheel by hand. I removed the brake caliper, rotor, and axle, but the noise remains. Is it possible for the bearing to be bad, but not have any play in it?
By the way, does it take a lot of force to remove the bearing after everything is unbolted? Seems like maybe it's rusted fast? Maybe a little persuasion with a hammer and/or pry bar is needed, after spraying with penetrating oil?

 

I have replaced the front bearing/hub on a 2002 xc70, the noise increased over time and was very loud when i got to the job. I had to find a way to coax the bearing/hub from its mount after removing the bolts. I believe I used a large socket and hammer. After removal, I noticed there was no play in the bearing, but was rough when turned.

 

I have a problem you may be able to help me with. I cannot seem to get the rear brake rotor off. It seems to be held by the parking brake. Is it ok to keep pulling the rotor until it is released or is there a step for removal I am missing.

 

Got the old hub/bearing off by using a loaner hub-puller (slide-hammer) from Autozone. Worked like a charm. Replaced the bearing. Sounds much better now. Also had trouble removing the rotor. I ended up pulling on it until the retaining springs bent. Found out later that the correct way is to pry off the plastic cover from around the parking brake handle and back off the adjusting nut about a dozen turns, so that the shoes don't keep the rotor from coming off.