'71 911T rear end noise

[911buff]

I think I know what the noise is but looking for a second opinion. Took my '71 out yesterday for a Cars and Coffee after not driving it for a while but quickly heard a "growl" coming from the rear. As I would would swerve (gently) to the right it would go away. As the car straightened out or went left, the sound was constant. I am guessing it is the right rear wheel bearing but again, looking for a second opinion. Thanks!

[Porboynz]

Lug nuts all tight? Wheel spins freely when jacked up? (well relatively freely with driveshaft etc to spin)

[911buff]

Porboynz,

Yes, all lug nuts are tight and the axle nut is tight (both sides). Both sides spin freely, relatively speaking. But the right side wheel seems to have a slight "growl" even when spinning it by hand.

I am going to jack it back up and conduct a stethoscope test to see if I can hear a difference between the two sides. Think I will also do a little diagnostics on the front wheels. It really sounds like it is coming from the rear but I could be wrong.

Thanks for the reply.

[Fast Freddy 944]

Originally Posted by 911buff

I think I know what the noise is but looking for a second opinion. Took my '71 out yesterday for a Cars and Coffee after not driving it for a while but quickly heard a "growl" coming from the rear. As I would would swerve (gently) to the right it would go away. As the car straightened out or went left, the sound was constant. I am guessing it is the right rear wheel bearing but again, looking for a second opinion. Thanks!

I get some mighty fierce rear end noises after a triple bean burrito meal from taco bell! I had the same issues with my 951, fortunately for me it was the cv half shafts. I reckon its your wheel bearings, you would be wise to replace all bearings on all 4 corners. Fast Freddy!

[Porboynz]

Originally Posted by 911buff

Porboynz,

Yes, all lug nuts are tight and the axle nut is tight (both sides). Both sides spin freely, relatively speaking. But the right side wheel seems to have a slight "growl" even when spinning it by hand.

I am going to jack it back up and conduct a stethoscope test to see if I can hear a difference between the two sides. Think I will also do a little diagnostics on the front wheels. It really sounds like it is coming from the rear but I could be wrong.

Thanks for the reply.

Next step is to drop the CV and remove the brake drum/disc, you will be able to hear the noisy bearing easier that way. Of course that makes it more difficult to undo that big axle nut......

[DRACO A5OG]

Before that, make sure the cv bolts are tight, mine growled after I worked on the car and bolts came loose.

[911buff]

Finally had a chance to troubleshoot the noise. Turns out it was the inner CV joint bolts on the passenger side. Good call DRACO. Thank you for the tip.