Hello all!
On a recent trip, my '73 2.0l started making a tapping noise most noticable at cruising speed. I determined the frequency was that of the rotation of the wheels/tires. The tapping was loudest at a constant speed and throttle, but would almost disappear if I put the transmission in neutral and coasted.
The car is up on ramps now. I have detected some radial slop on the driver's side axle at the trailing arm end. I can bump it with the palm of my hand and moved it perhaps as much as 1mm, and the sound it produces is similar in tone to the tapping I heard on the trip.
I suspect either the rear wheel bearing or the CV joint, as both are of unknown age, but I would like more knowledge before I make up a parts list, pull out my credit card and click on the PP catalogue page. I don't want to buy new CV joints if I don't need to, and likewise anything else. I thought I had seen here a good exploded drawing of the rear axle and hub assembly, but I haven't found it with my searches. Thought if I could see a picture I could determine if the looseness in the axle is from the CV or bearing. DO any of you have a drawing they could post, or a link? If not, if any of you have gone through the rear-axle-bearing-change dance, could you chime in with an opinion of this looseness based on your own experience?
ONE OTHER THING. In accordance with the "while I'm in there" syndrome, I want to rebuild the stock rear brake calipers. My search on old posts in this area reveals that the Pelican Parts rebuild kits are (were) lacking some seals needed for the rear caliper rebuild if the caliper was going to be split, as I plan to do, and/or the seal(s) around the parking brake actuator. Has this been changed to be a more complete kit? Dave? Wayne?
I have done some work in this area of the car before, though not on this particular car, and it was many, many years ago. I don't remember how things fit together....too much (bong)water has passed under the bridge. I did fix that, though.
Thanks for reading and any help!
Ed
PS I have edited from 3mm to 1mm the amount of detected radial slop on the half axle, after having another look. Sorry for the exaggeration.