low speed groan when turning ?

Wil Ferch · 09-20-2004, 05:20 AM

I've recently noticed a groan....like a "dry" rub that should be lubed...when making a tight turn ( wheel cranked over rather far) under 3 or so mph....a parking lot maneuver. I think it's only right hand turns, as I recall.

What is this? Steering rack needing relube? Wheel bearing? Where do I look first? Can't hear it any other time and car feels just great under all driving conditions.

-- Wil

MuffinMan · 09-20-2004, 05:29 AM

I had a similar sound, and it turned out to be a bad rear wheel bearing, in my case. If it groans when turning right, then your left wheel bearings are most likely the problem since the weight is on that side of the car (if the bearings are the problem at all). You can test the adjustment of the bearings by jacking the car up and "pushing on the top of the tire while pulling on the bottom", and visa versa. If it wiggles, the bearing needs to be tightened or may even be bad, depending on the situation.

This is an easy way to rule out or point the finger at the wheel bearings, anyway.

Wil Ferch · 09-20-2004, 05:34 AM

I remember checking front bearings last year and I recall them being fine.

Added info...car is an 85 Carrera 3.2 with about 59k miles....rather doubt enough time on the car to make it a bearing issue, but who knows...?

Wil

MuffinMan · 09-20-2004, 05:54 AM

My rear wheel bearing went after 27 years, 140k, miles and a whole bunch of track days, so it *seems* like yours should be fine. The rears are more difficult to replace, and I believe mine were roughly $375 or $400 each to swap out.

MuffinMan · 09-20-2004, 05:57 AM

Also, do you only hear the sound at low speeds? I could hear mine at almost any speed if I veered to one side, as long it wasn't drowned out by engine or road noise. If yours only occurs at low speeds in a parking lot, then I agree that it most likely isn't a bearing issue.

ben parrish · 09-20-2004, 06:06 AM

Wil, had a noise such as that; only when turning right at very slow speeds. Didn't do it all the time, just once in a while. Turned out to be a sticking caliper on the right side. You may also check for tire rub. Good luck.

Ben

arrivederci · 09-20-2004, 06:10 AM

Wil,

I agree with Ben. The front calipers are sticking on my '72 when the brakes get really hot. For instance, coming into turn 1 at VIR, the left front will groan. I had thought it was a wheel bearing issue as well, but mine checked out fine and the groaning continued. Two instructors both thought it was a sticking caliper. Also, my car only does it after I've been on the brakes hard.

Wil Ferch · 09-20-2004, 06:20 AM

I think we'e getting somewhere.....last year I also checked/replaced brake pads and found one ( RF?) caliper had a torn dust boot....the hydraulic seal was fine and the "good weather" driving I do didn't show the caliper pistons as being corroded. By now, however, things could have changed and it may be a sticky caliper.....I'll check. Thanks.

---Wil