Wedge 2.8i Noisy??

[John042]

Don't know if I'm being picky or expecting too much? "Wesley" my 2.8i is on the road, please with the achievement in getting him on the road after 15 years+ but concerned about a rotating type noise, I think is coming from the passenger front side. Difficult to pinpoint but I changed the N/S front wheel bearing incase. However it didn't make any difference. Diagnoising is ongoing but it seems to be near the gearbox location. Difficult, as you're sat virtually on top of the transmission. The gearbox is behaving impeccably in fact one of the best I've driven. The diff' was a consideration but acceleration, over run does seem to make much difference. The consideration is now maybe a rear wheel bearing? However it seems too far forward for that? Perhaps I am being too fussy as with a fibre body all sorts of noises can be transmitted through the body, tyres etc.Any thoughts please? Before I resort to Wynns Aditives/sawdust etc.Cheers J C.

[John042]

Thanks Henry. Yep, checks ongoing. Knocked into netural whilst rolling, same noise,stationary, no noise, gear selection, no difference. Seems to be speed related, mind you the faster you go the exhaust note takes over. Cheers J C.

[John042]

Yes another consideration Karl but it was changed during rebuild but they usually make different noises on clutch operation? J C.

[John042]

Thanks all for the constructive thoughts. I did think of the rear brakes and tried various setting on the hand brake. I've more or less discounted the brakes front and rear being overhauled on the build plus the noise doesn't vary with braking. Certainly the rear hubs/nuts will deserve attention. U/J were greased and appeared fine. Attention will also be paid to the tyres having been static for some time. Again on the drive home today I feel the noise is located near the gearbox although doesn't vary in neutral. I'm going to try an additive into the G/Box just to see if it makes any difference. Thanks again for your suggestions and help. More beer for the troops. Cheers John C.

[John042]

Thanks Andy and others for the detailed replies.I've had U/J's go before and usually it creates severe vibration. Mine is not even vibration or loud metalic noise just a seemingly low frequency rotational whine. Similar to tyre noise. It's a difficult one, but a consideration is to drive until it gets really bad? Thanks again all. John C.

[John042]

Thanks again for the replies. You're right number7 there is a procedure for tightening the front wheel bearings as they are tapered units. The car at the moment is on axle stands having the drive train examined for any problems, so far none. However, on advice we've swapped the wheels/tyres around in case of flat spots etc to see if the noise becomes apparent else where. The gearbox has also had an additive added. Time will tell if we can isolate the problem. Cheers J C.

[John042]

Thanks Andy.Tracking did receive attention after the ball joints were replaced to cure the wheel camber. Moving the tyres around is really an excersise to see if the noise becomes more noticable on one side or the other. I keep cosidering that the noise is coming from forward of the rear axle around the bell housing N/S. Although coasting in netural has no effect. A fresh pair of ears might help.J C

[John042]

Thanks Mark. No, it was a straight forward front wheel tracking. The problem was a rouge ball joint previouly fitted and when compared with the oposite side the mounting holes were a 1/4" out. I have to say the handling is great, no evidence of "crabbing" etc. Wesley going in the direction he's aimed at. It's just this noise getting to me. It's more of a roughness. Consensus of opinion is leave it until it gets worse. I keep thinking rear wheel bearing? Cheers John C.

[John042]

Agreed Mark, I did think it was the N/S front wheel bearing and replaced it. No effect. The car at the moment is up on axle stands. Front wheels perfect no play or noises. The rear the same. Running the car in gear under no load does give the usual transmission noises expected under no load. U/J's are the next area for attention. I have noticed that the only joints fitted with grease points are the outer rear U/J's? I have had a worn joint on another car and it felt that the prop shaft was going to join me in the car? J C.

[John042]

Just normal back plates/dust guards Mark. A little unusual not to have grease points on the rear prop U/J? Unless the previous owner fitted the sealed for life units. Further "grovelling" underneath I think. J C.