help needed: strange noise above 40 mph
05-22-2003, 08:41 PM
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help needed: strange noise above 40 mph
I need help finding and fixing a noise that only happens above 40 mph:
- a repetitive slapping/whipping noise that sounds like a playing card against bicycle spokes.
- noise only happens above 40 mph and gets louder with increasing speed.
- noise seems to emanate from the passenger side: can't be sure if it's coming from front or rear
- seems unaffected by engine revs; when coasting in neutral (at speeds above 40 mph) the noise still occurs.
- applying the brakes does not make the noise stop
- when reving the engine at full stop in neutral I do not get the noise; happens only when the car is in motion.
I've checked under the car and behind rims for road debris but didn't find any. Clues or suggestions would be gratefully appreciated!
- a repetitive slapping/whipping noise that sounds like a playing card against bicycle spokes.
- noise only happens above 40 mph and gets louder with increasing speed.
- noise seems to emanate from the passenger side: can't be sure if it's coming from front or rear
- seems unaffected by engine revs; when coasting in neutral (at speeds above 40 mph) the noise still occurs.
- applying the brakes does not make the noise stop
- when reving the engine at full stop in neutral I do not get the noise; happens only when the car is in motion.
I've checked under the car and behind rims for road debris but didn't find any. Clues or suggestions would be gratefully appreciated!
05-23-2003, 12:19 PM
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How many miles on the car?
Since you say the problem happens while coasting in neutral, I guess you can rule out the ring and pinion.
Thus, either wheel bearings or C.V. joints. I'm leaning toward the latter because they tend to "click" rather than "hum," which is what wheel bearings do when they're on their way out.
Since you say the problem happens while coasting in neutral, I guess you can rule out the ring and pinion.
Thus, either wheel bearings or C.V. joints. I'm leaning toward the latter because they tend to "click" rather than "hum," which is what wheel bearings do when they're on their way out.
05-23-2003, 10:58 PM
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Luis: there's just under 140,000 mi on the dial.
I had ruled out the CV joints since the boots look healthy, but I will look into it further. Wheel bearings look fine - no excessive play; doesn't sound like bearing noise.
I finally got a hold of my mechanic and he says to check for broken springs on the parking brake shoes and assembly. Looks like I will be spending some quality time with the car this weekend...
I had ruled out the CV joints since the boots look healthy, but I will look into it further. Wheel bearings look fine - no excessive play; doesn't sound like bearing noise.
I finally got a hold of my mechanic and he says to check for broken springs on the parking brake shoes and assembly. Looks like I will be spending some quality time with the car this weekend...
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05-25-2003, 06:14 AM
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The C.V. boots aren't the best indicator of their condition. When mine became worn and started making a racket, we were able to reuse the old boots on my '83.
I hadn't thought of the parking brake. I guess it's a possibility, but I had never heard of them doing that.
I hadn't thought of the parking brake. I guess it's a possibility, but I had never heard of them doing that.
05-25-2003, 03:25 PM
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</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica"> Just outa curiousity...how much of a DIY'er are wheel bearings???.....as mine needs that in the not-so-distant future
</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">...Just so you know. DIY = Do It Yourself
Has anyone replaced the wheel bearing yourself before?
</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">...Just so you know. DIY = Do It Yourself
Has anyone replaced the wheel bearing yourself before?
05-26-2003, 05:08 AM
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Chas: replacing wheel bearings aren't all that difficult. Perhaps the hardest part would be changing the bearing races, which requires specialized tools. You can probably have a machine shop perform that task for a nominal fee.
05-26-2003, 10:32 PM
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Problem solved. Thanks to all those that replied.
I feel pretty silly after taking everything apart, putting it back together and not finding a thing. After going through the wheel bearings, CV joints, and parking brakes... it was only loose windshield moulding!
Wind turbulence (above 40 mph) was causing it to lift and slap against the body. But at rest, the moulding would settle back into position and appear completely normal. A little squeeze of 3M weatherstrip adhesive cleared the noise right up.
I feel pretty silly after taking everything apart, putting it back together and not finding a thing. After going through the wheel bearings, CV joints, and parking brakes... it was only loose windshield moulding!
Wind turbulence (above 40 mph) was causing it to lift and slap against the body. But at rest, the moulding would settle back into position and appear completely normal. A little squeeze of 3M weatherstrip adhesive cleared the noise right up.
