5 replies to this topic

[philip663]

Hey all, I have a slight problem coming from the front of my car. The whistling seems to only be coming from the left hand side whilst the vibration comes through the steering wheel.

The whistling noise pulse's which only seems to happen above 30 and gets stronger whilst slowing down, (not breaking though) and it does come and go but it's generally there all the time.

The vibration also pulse's but has only started occurring today. Also today I had my tracking sorted, apparently it was miles out however all is well now, but the vibrations have only started occurring as of today. As the same as above they only really become noticeable whilst driving at a higher speed of 30-40+.

I'm going to have a check around tomorrow and check things like the wheel bearings, but my mate has the Haynes manual at the moment so I cant refer to that . Has anyone got any hints on where to look?

Thanks,
Phil!

[Duncy H]

With your hands at 6 oclock on the wheel, if there is wobble it shows signs of wear in the balljoints.

If there is play all the way around it is likely the wheel bearings are worn.

I'd advise not driving it til you find out what this noise is, trust me i found out the hard way

[tiger99]

I agree with not driving it. It is likely to be a failing wheel bearing. A failing CV is equally dangerous, but they usually click while cornering for at least a few hundred miles before failure, and there is no mention of clicking.

When changing the bearings, check that the spindle, part of the CV, is not showing signs of having been overheated, and if it is discoloured, change it too.

But before stripping anything, I would advise one last test drive. Don't go far enough to get the bearings really hot, just enough to start the whistle. Coasting in neutral, does it change? Or, coasting in gear, clutch in? Or, coasting in neutral, engine off? (Take great care not to engage the steering lock by turning key too far!) Just in case it is engine related, even fan belt, water pump etc.

After your short drive, is one hub hotter than the other?

[philip663]

Hey! took my wheels off today to take a look. Couldnt really tell what was the problem as all seemed to be ok, All the rubbers on the mounting points etc are intact and not warn. Gators are not cracked. I could do with getting a grease gun an going round the points but i cant see that causing any problems that i have described above? The only thing i did notice was this:



The drive shaft is resting on that thing which is connected to the wishbone mount. Now when i let the car down off the jack it sits up with a gap (as it should i presume) On the other side when jacked up there is a gap as shown below:



One other thing i also notices was the ball joint which is on the mounting point for the front tie-bar is missing the rubber cone off it. Could that cause any problems? Obviously i shall get a new one for it but in the meantime could it cause any serious problems?

Thanks

[tiger99]

If the driveshaft is fouling the lower arm pivot pin, it is because the rebound stop is worn or missing, or the engine mount on that side has failed, so the engine is sitting too low. Both are inexpensive and easy to fix, but do need attention immediately.

I am not sure what you are describing on the tie bar, as there is no ball joint, but if it is missing a rubber, the car must not be driven. It would rapidly destroy the tie bar front end and/or subframe bracket, leading to expensive damage and possible suspension failure.

[The Matt]

Brakes seem free? No chance that there's a little brake squeal and some feedback vibration from a slightly sticky caliper?