Hi all...I have read some similar articles, but nothing really hits it on the head. At speeds above say 40mph, I hear what I can only describe as tire tread noise coming from the left rear wheel-most pronounced with the window closed, it seems to get louder as speed increases. It is an '85 with about 75k miles. I noticed that when I cruise at about 75 mph and give the wheel a quick jerk to the right-the noise stops until the weight of the car gets back to that wheel. Is this a bearing issue? Thanks!

 

My 85' has the same issue, the hub/bearing assembly must be changed

 

Could be bearing, jack up the rear, grab the wheel at 12-6 and try to rock it.

if it moves then the bearing is out, and you should replace the U-joints at the same time with new Spicers (only use spicers, no other brand)

In my experience though, the bearing noise gets quieter as you speed up.

 

Thank you for your posts...however, I did grab the wheel and do the usual bearing test and there is little to no play in the wheel.

 

My 85 had the same type noise. The spindle nut has to be tightened to about 160 lbs. if its loose the bearing on my car made noise. I ended up replaceing it

 

i had that sorta noise too, i found out my tire had a slight bulge on one quarter.
when i took the wheel off and rolled it on the ground it was practically jumping, how old are your tires?

 

Thanks for the posts...my tires have less than 2,000 miles...I am having the guys here at work put it on a lift and stick it in drive to see exactly where it's coming from...I bought new hub assemblies and u joints anyway-figured it can't hurt...I'll repost when they diagnose it! Thanks again!

 

What's the latest My85?

I'm interested because my '89 has developed what I can only describe as a crunching noise at the right side rear wheel. Reminds me of a hub cap noise on a car I had many moons ago.

I too tightened the spindle nut when the noise was faint and noticeable mostly on right turns. On my first attempt at tightening, the noise seemed to go away.
Now, I'm embarrassed to drive the car. It's probably worse now as I've torqued the spindle nut more.

Anybody with any ideas?

 

Performing the install today....I will repost tonight!

 

Can't wait. Still crunching and churning here.

 

It certainly is the bearing and assembly! That noise is a bearing going bad and it should be fixed as soon as possible! When you yank the car it changes the angle and load on the bearing and assembly then it'll go back to the same position!

I had one do this on the front of my car(El Camino) once but before I could get it home the bearing froze and snapped the spindle and slammed to the freeway ground! A lot to replace at that point, was very fortunate nothing happened to anyone else and only had to repair the car!

Thanks,Matt

 

I think I need an entire hub assembly, right?
It now makes the noise (loud) at any time but going reverse...

 

Well, I took my day off yesterday to take care of this hub bearing issue. I was following along with a thread on this site. After removing the wheel, spacer, and rotor, I removed the center 36mm nut, cotter pin, etc, removed the 3 t55 bolts in the rear of the ***'ly and pulled it off. I cleaned up the exposed areas, greased the spindle and unit, and put it on, but could not get it that last 1/4 inch on the spindle. I was doing this in a metal framed garage tent at my buddies place (400 degrees in there)-but he's got good tools! Anyway, I am using a socket and hammer now to try and give it a few taps to coax it on, and accidently nailed the spindle and ruined most of the starting threads. What a mess...oh by the way...this was in South Jersey during what I can only describe as the beginnings of the longest and most severe thunderstorms I have seen in my life under a canvas tent attached to my buddy's house. Long story even longer, We were lucky enough to have a parts car there...he has 2 vette's ('89)('74) and several C4 parts cars. So I changed them and got her on finally. Drove home back to PA in the storm-but NO MORE NOISE-only exhaust note! I can honestly say-worst day of my life with regard to luck, and now I have ZERO problems with the car other than changing seat leather! Feels good to say that!

 

That IS good news!
Where did you buy the hub assembly and how much did you pay?
I've seen anywhere from 85.00 to 185.00 and more. Are they all the same?

 

Thanks...I got mine from Advance Auto Parts...$148.33 was my buddy's cost-he has a shop/dealership...but retail was apparently $245. I have seen them in Corvette America's book for $145 though-so to me it sounds like the parts stores are trying to get ya. I would imagine that there are different suppliers, but I asked for the best one and they had 2 different options for me-so I assume they are not all the same.