Squealing noise

nixter · 02-17-2005, 12:54 AM

Hi all, I've had a very annoying squealing noise eminating from the rear of my car that seems to come and go. Lately it's been mostly come. It only happens while driving and the pitch is relative to the cars speed, not the engine rpms. My uneducated hunch says that it's coming from the axle or something related. it also seems to only come from the right side of the car. It's a very hitch pitched squeal that has a very slight osilation to it, caused by something rotating no doubt. Oh yeah, it's NOT the fan belt or ac belt.

And of course every time I tell the wrench about it and he takes it for a spin..... no noise.

Any body heard anything similar before?

Thanks,

Nikolai

jbripps · jbripps's Garage

Does it ever squeal when the car is idle? If so, then my guess would be the bearings in your alternator. Even if it doesn't squeal at idle, this could be the cause. Anyone else agree? Just my 2 cents.

Regards,

jmohn · jmohn's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by jbripps
Does it ever squeal when the car is idle? If so, then my guess would be the bearings in your alternator. Even if it doesn't squeal at idle, this could be the cause. Anyone else agree? Just my 2 cents.

Regards,

That, or possibly, the heater blower.

Jerry M
'78 SC

na2ub · 02-17-2005, 06:26 AM

I second the alternator. My bearings gave way shortly afterward.

Doug

kach22i · kach22i's Garage

Does it show up quicker on hot days than on cold days?

Can you get it to act up by taking a turn fast?

Can you get it to calm down when rolling to a stop and tapping on the brakes just before you stop?

Is it a bit louder when after a long vigourous run than when you started out?

I've described my on again off again condition, and describe the sound as a woman screeming far off in the distance or a whaling sound.

I think it's the seal on the passenger side rear wheel.

I think you have to replace the bearing while in there.

I think you have the best cost option as changing the axle/boot/pressure install bearing as one item.

Ideas:
Looking for a way to squirt in some lubercant, someone said drilling a hole and sealing it might work but may only let water and dirt in - meaning you will have to replace the bearings anyway.

nixter · 02-17-2005, 07:10 AM

Kach22i, your symptoms sound similar to mine. Sometimes the noise will go away after a sharp turn though.

For the previous responces, no, it never happens under idle. ONLY when the car is rolling faster than 5-8 mph. It stops abruptly lower than that.

Nik

kach22i · kach22i's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by nixter
Kach22i, your symptoms sound similar to mine.

It's not warm enough in Michigan to think about doing the work myself right now, but know the problem will only get worse with time.

I would love to shop this out, but don't want to pay through the nose (again).

Maybe someone on the board can talk you though what has to be done.

You go first.

nixter · 02-17-2005, 07:34 AM

Hmmm, the noise has been around for a few years. It has become a little worse lately but this is the first year I've driven during the cold months as well so.....

Nik

kach22i · kach22i's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by nixter
Hmmm, the noise has been around for a few years. It has become a little worse lately but this is the first year I've driven during the cold months as well so.....

Nik

I don't think I'm the guy to be answering this, but in my case heat makes it more audible. Driving in general (and age) is making it worse.

I worry about doing damage to the bearing, thinking the seal helps keep grease in the bearing.

Isn't the sweaky wheel supposed to get the grease?