sidekickin Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 Hey all, Got a minor problem (I hope) with my '87 hatch. When making turns at low speeds ( < 10 mph), I get an intermittent rough metallic rubbing sound coming from the driver's side wheel area. It did this a few months back, and I tightened the axle nut a bit which corrected the problem. Now the sound is back and gradually becoming worse. I tried to tighten the axle nut again, but it is as tight as it will go. It seems to be a problem with the hub, but I can't tighten the axle nut any further so I don't know what to do. Is the hub shot or is there something I can do to fix this so it doesn't destroy the hub? Thanks for your help. BTW, the axles were replaced on the car about 9 months ago and are still in excellent shape, so that shouldn't be the problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indrid cold Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 Sounds like bearings now.... Splines at axels ends rotates hub, if there were a problem in that area the splines would be rounded on either the axel end or the inside of the hub... Take a peak in there and see what it looks like... My guess is you will find some metal pieces in your bearing grease. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sidekickin Posted June 13, 2007 Author Share Posted June 13, 2007 When I replaced the axle on that side about 9 months ago, it was next to impossible to get the axle through the hub. I had to use an impact wrench on the axle nut to get the axle pulled through the hub. Even then it was tough. The other side went through the hub with no problem. I am thinking that maybe the bearings got damaged from forcing that axle through the hub like that and it is just now starting to show up. Is that a possibility? Secondly, why would it be so difficult to get the axle through the hub on that side? Could the axle not have been machined properly? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nug Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 You need to replace the hub and brake drum, and possibly the bearings. If it was run loose for any time, then everything is wallowed out and will move around, no matter how tight the bolt. Me in a HOJO parking lot for the same reason: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloyale Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 Maybe this is a dumb Question, but are you positive it's not just brake noise? Are you're rotors smooth? on both sides? I had a noise like this that I was convinced was wheel bearings. The outer side of the rotor looked fine, and I couldn't see the inner side well because of the backing plate. Until I went so far as to actually remove the disc, and low and behold the inner side of the disc was rough and actually flaking of pieces of the brake surface:eek: Sounds like you are experienced enough to have checked this first. Just something to rule out first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sidekickin Posted June 14, 2007 Author Share Posted June 14, 2007 I plan on tearing into it this weekend to see what I can find. When I jack it up, there is no play at all in the wheel. It spins somewhat freely, although the other side spins MUCH more freely. It doesn't feel rough or anything when I spin the wheel. The rotor is in great shape (both sides). If I find that the hub is worn out, where am I going to find something like that for such an old car? Junkyards around here have crunched these cars a long time ago. Not to mention, as hard as it was to get that axle through that hub, I have no idea how I am going to get it back out without destroying the axle nut threads on the axle. Even with the use of a heavy-duty impact wrench, I barely got it pulled through. Any ideas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nug Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 Not to mention, as hard as it was to get that axle through that hub, I have no idea how I am going to get it back out without destroying the axle nut threads on the axle. Even with the use of a heavy-duty impact wrench, I barely got it pulled through. Any ideas? Brass hammer. I bought one out of Harbor Freight for $5. Great investment. You can wail away on axles and suspension parts without damaging them. I used it in the above photo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sidekickin Posted June 14, 2007 Author Share Posted June 14, 2007 Thanks man. I'll try that. Are the Auto Zone wheel bearings OK to use or are they crap? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nug Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 I've got some $8 bearings coming from partsamerica.com as we speak. I'll know by the end of the week unless sheer laziness overcomes me. They are made by SKF which I have used in other applications without issue. As good as OEM? Hope so, no idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CAS83Brumby Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 It is probably just your hub since it went away when you tightened the nut, had the same thing happen to me on a 80 hatch that I used to have it was on the front so I just replaced the hub and there were no problems with the bearings. You might need a new axle also. don't ruin a new hub with a bad axle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloyale Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 If I find that the hub is worn out, where am I going to find something like that for such an old car? First we need to clarify. The *hub* is the piece that the rotor bolts to. The *Bearings* are what you had a hard time pulling the axle through, and the *Knuckle* is what holds the bearings. Once the Axle is installed through the bearings the hub slides on and is held with the castle nut. If you are going to replace the bearings, they need to be pressed in. Remove the whole knuckle, with the axle still attached to it(just knock out the roll pin at the trans end) and take it to a shop to have the bearings pressed. They can remove and reinstall the axle easily while pressing the bearings. Don't forget to get new seals for the bearings inner and outer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now