I could really need some experienced assistence with this mystery. It started out as a noise from the right front wheel of my '52 Chevy 1/2t truck. I assumed it was time to change the wheel bearings. Got new bearings from Brothers trucks, went from the original balls to roller bearings. Changed the bearings, noise was still there. Tried to adjust the bearing loose to tight, but noise was still there. Just to try something I exchanged the complete hub assembly and it seemed like the noise changed side with it. So assuming it was a bad bearing, I ordered a new one from CP. While at it I changed the king-pins as I noticed a bit of looseness in the right side. Now I have a nice and tight front-end and assembled everything, adjusted the bearings and took the old lady for a test drive... Noise is still there. Tried to loosen the brake shoes to make sure they are not making the noise. The noise is only present when the truck is on the ground, when I have it on the jack there is nothing. It sounds like if you were braking iron to iron, but it is heard all the time and increases with speed. There is no change in the noise if I brake or turn. This is just one of those noises that will end up making you go mental, so please help...... Thanks, Chevy52
If it's making a loud metal to metal typ noise , there should be a shiny spot somewhere ~ is the inside of the wheel rubbing the tie rod end maybe ? . You're _sure_ it's from the wheels ? . Hard to diagnose unless one is there @ ground zero .
Thank you for answering I have been looking for shiny spots for a while without any luck, and I don't think it is a wheel offset thing, I'm not using the original wheels but I have been driving the truck daily for almost a year without problems. I agree that it could be convenient to place your head out in the front fender while driving the truck to determine the source, I have even heard that some people leave their head at home while driving, so why not I'm convinced that it comes from the wheel, and it really sounds like when a ball bearing lose a ball.
Like Nate said, it is hard to diagnose without being there. But, taking the above information along with your comment that it seemed to change sides when you switched sides with the hubs, I would say it is not the wheels at all. If it were the brakes, it would change when you applied the brake. If it were something in the wheel, I think it would make the same noise even if the truck were on the jack. I would consider getting in a safe area, setting the rear axle on jack stands so that the wheels don't touch the ground. Fire it up with it in neutral and see if you here it then go through the gears. I am thinking there is something rubbing against the flywheel or the like. Good luck, Gater
In addition to the above recommendations, check the tires carefully for any unusual cupping or out of round issues. A tire that is coming apart, cupping, or with cord problems can mimick allkinds of strange noises. Also a tire that is almost flat can cause noise too. Just a thought.....Mike'
Tailgater: I tried your suggestion but no luck here, it only starts when the front wheels are loaded and spinning. Mikesters1950: My tires are almost new but I did check anyway, pressure was also fine. Ken: I would guess if the hub was "out of round" I would be able to see shiny areas on both hub and anchorplate, also the noise would be more like on and off, whereas this noise is more of a rumbling character, and is felt all the way to the steering wheel. Please explain "miking" the hub ropo355: You are most welcome for a service call, Denmark had a great summer but right now the temps are dropping a bit. We have 20-25°Celcius the coming days. But I might warn you that the gas is $8.66/gallon, not fun if you have a mileage of 14mi/gallon
Wheel noise I have to ask, are you sure its front not back where the noise is comming from? usually when its a front wheel/bearing etc the noise changes with steering left or right, if it stays the same its rear end.
Brit50: I would say I'm convinced that the noise is comming from the right front wheel, but to be 100% sure I'll have someone else drive the truck and try to place myself in the passengers seat and in the bed, to see if that changes my perception of the noise. Thanks.
I agree with Brit50 , i once had a car i changed everything on the front searching for a noise it was driving me crazy , till it went for its mot and it was a rear wheel bearing, doh
noise transmission Trouble is the steering box is bolted solid to the chassis so any noise coming thru the chassis from anywhere on your truck will be directed into the cab, you may have a bushing worn and your getting diff/axle noise or even driveshaft noise if your engine/box mounts have gone and any part of the running gear is resting against the chassis. just a thought
Good point? Zig, do you want to hear my other good points? bout Bush, global waffling, religion and last two points, pamela anderson?
Brit, With this bunch you would probably do well to stay away from Bush and global waffling but the other two points you mentioned (Pamela Anderson) would make an interesting conversation. Gater
Success!! Brit50, next time you come to Denmark I'll buy you a huge beer. I tried to sit in the bed while the wife was driving. Now I'm sure the noise comes from the rear end as you suggested. I think it is a wheel bearing. But my next problem is that when I pull/push the rear wheels I noticed a bit of looseness. Would this be the bearings or the axles? The rear end is from a '73 Buick LeSabre, would any of you know a place with a good online shop where I can get a set of new wheel bearings? Thanks a lot everyone for all your help.
Yabbutt ; I don't know if there's any NAPA stores in Europe.... Here's the deal Chevy 52 : Many of those era GM axles have the bearing and seal pressed on to the axle with an arbor press , if there's no derby cover in the middle of the rear end . remove the brake drum and look for the four nuts holding the bearing retainer plate , remove them and slide the entire axle out , take it to any competent machine shop and they'll have the (standard) bearing in stock , might have to order up the seal , and press it off and on again for you ~ don't forget to buy the paper seal for the retainer plate . Any GM dealer will be able to order up the parts for under $150.00 U.S. , if you have any older parthauses nearby maybe they'll have a Bower BCA bearing & seal catalog . Certainly the old bearing and seal will have the standard part numbers on them to reference but then the truck's down for a while as theyy order it in . I know of none OnLine and I'm on holiday and so far from my books right now else I'd give it a look for you . I hope this helps , if not , ask me in a couple weeks and i'll look up the P/N's for you , O.K. ? . BTW : no need to disassemble the brakes , just tuck a clean towel underneath the axle's area to catch the small amount of oil that'll run out , if you jack up only one side hardly any oil comes out . One it's re-assembled , use Aerosol Brake cleaner to rinse down the little pil spill and you're golden . Don't forget to lift the rubber cups on the cylinder , any wetness means repair time , right now .
