Squeak theories....
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,000
Likes: 22
From: Boulder Creek California
Squeak theories....
The right rear has developed a very much audible squeak that is in time with tire speed while driving. High speed of course covers it up with noise, but I can hear it reflecting off of things as I cruise past. My friend thinks it's the bearings. From what I've heard, that is a $cary proposition.
So what am I looking at in cost and in potential damage I'm doing by still driving it? I also have a moderately long trip scheduled for tomorrow (2 1/2 hours highway). Is there any danger to me driving it? Catastrophic failure at high speed or am I just further tearing up the bearings and surrounding parts?
Thanks--Chris
So what am I looking at in cost and in potential damage I'm doing by still driving it? I also have a moderately long trip scheduled for tomorrow (2 1/2 hours highway). Is there any danger to me driving it? Catastrophic failure at high speed or am I just further tearing up the bearings and surrounding parts?
Thanks--Chris
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 726
Likes: 0
From: Petaluma CA
Re: Squeak theories.... (RUXperienced)
At least get it up in the air or get under to take a look. Could be exhaust rubbing on a tire, e-brake, could even be a tree branch wedged in there...
I think of bearings as a low speed rumble or grinding. Anyway, lives are not worth the risk of not knowing. :yesnod:
I think of bearings as a low speed rumble or grinding. Anyway, lives are not worth the risk of not knowing. :yesnod:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 752
Likes: 31
From: Melbourne Australia
Re: Squeak theories.... (RUXperienced)
Stevo81 is right on the money, play safe!
Definitely check the rear wheel bearings.....one of mine began squeaking (because the rollers dried out, stopped turning and welded themselves to the races!) and a few weeks later the bearing disintegrated at 70mph causing the car to veer about and change lanes with a mind of its own.
You definitely don't need that kind of excitement.
Good luck,
Joe
Definitely check the rear wheel bearings.....one of mine began squeaking (because the rollers dried out, stopped turning and welded themselves to the races!) and a few weeks later the bearing disintegrated at 70mph causing the car to veer about and change lanes with a mind of its own.
You definitely don't need that kind of excitement.
Good luck,
Joe
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 386
Likes: 0
From: Niedernhausen, Germany
Re: Squeak theories.... (jyounane)
If you have the steel ralley wheels with them trim-rings, remove these and try again (passing a wall or else): The noise can be a result of bad or loose trim-ring clips. Especially applies to the non-original chrome-trim-rings ("made in China...") which have clips all around.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,000
Likes: 22
From: Boulder Creek California
Re: Squeak theories.... (FERL 73)
No steel wheels.
Unaffected. The brakes were rebuilt (everything but the main steel line to the back) so I believe they are in good condition (although some of the pistons were corroded, now causing a little leakage). But applying brakes does nothing but slow the wheels, slowing the frequency of the noise. I kindof have to take this trip so I guess I'll take it easy and cross my fingers! When I get back I'll see what I can do to bang it into shape.:smash: And I'll take another peek underneath today before I leave.
Thanks guys,
Chris
[Modified by RUXperienced, 4:44 PM 9/18/2002]
What happens to the noise when you apply the brakes?
Thanks guys,
Chris
[Modified by RUXperienced, 4:44 PM 9/18/2002]
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,000
Likes: 22
From: Boulder Creek California
Re: Squeak theories.... (RUXperienced)
oh, and I don't have an ebrake....at all so that rules that out. (Was completely frozen when I bought it a month ago, had to be drug onto the towtruck with dishsoap under the wheels!)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 774
Likes: 0
From: Palatine IL
Re: Squeak theories.... (RUXperienced)
Could be bearings or a u-joint. You should be able to check for the noise with the wheels off the ground. Try to keep the side you are testing level so you don't put any strange forces on the u-joints.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,052
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver BC, Canada
Re: Squeak theories.... (RUXperienced)
No steel wheels.
What happens to the noise when you apply the brakes?
Unaffected. The brakes were rebuilt (everything but the main steel line to the back) so I believe they are in good condition (although some of the pistons were corroded, now causing a little leakage). But applying brakes does nothing but slow the wheels, slowing the frequency of the noise. I kindof have to take this trip so I guess I'll take it easy and cross my fingers! When I get back I'll see what I can do to bang it into shape.:smash: And I'll take another peek underneath today before I leave.
Thanks guys,
Chris
[Modified by RUXperienced, 4:44 PM 9/18/2002]
What happens to the noise when you apply the brakes?
Unaffected. The brakes were rebuilt (everything but the main steel line to the back) so I believe they are in good condition (although some of the pistons were corroded, now causing a little leakage). But applying brakes does nothing but slow the wheels, slowing the frequency of the noise. I kindof have to take this trip so I guess I'll take it easy and cross my fingers! When I get back I'll see what I can do to bang it into shape.:smash: And I'll take another peek underneath today before I leave.
Thanks guys,
Chris
[Modified by RUXperienced, 4:44 PM 9/18/2002]
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 774
Likes: 4
From: RI
Re: Squeak theories.... (Turbo-Jet)
A rear wheel bearing may make more noise when the extra force of turning is applied. In a right turn your left rear bearing will make more noise (if its worn) and a left turn will check your right rear bearing.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 2
From: Apex NC
Re: Squeak theories.... (RUXperienced)
Since the noise is in time with the rotation of the tire, I vote halfshaft u-joint. You mentioned that it's still there under braking, which should eliminate the runout/brake pad squeal. I would think that wheel bearings would be more constant and not just a once per revolution squeak. Pull the halfshaft and inspect the u-joints. I had a very small squeak and when I pulled the u-joints one was totally frozen!
Shannon
Shannon
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 958
Likes: 0
From: Brisbane, Australia 1985 Coupe
Re: Squeak theories.... (RUXperienced)
Mine had a squeack at low speeds over bumps. Turns out the shockies were totally shot. If it is at high speed I would say the bearings or brakes.
:cheers:
:cheers:
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,000
Likes: 22
From: Boulder Creek California
Re: Squeak theories.... (Chris O')
I had someone listen more carefully to the noise and it turns out it essentially goes away with braking, good news I think, wish I hadn't ruled that out earlier, would've saved alot of worrying about many-hundred$ repair jobs....
-Chris
-Chris