7 replies to this topic

[Dev20]

British Open Classic

1992

Had the car for a couple of months now and not had this problem since I had a few friends in the back a few days ago. When taking a corner a rear wheel would rub the inside of the arch. Not definite this is the case since all we could hear was what sounded like a "radio-static" like grinding sound. Driving around yesterday it happened again while taking another corner but with no passengers. Also noticed a bit of excessive oscillating after a bump while at speed on the motorway, however i'm not sure that these are linked. I'm not exactly the most experienced with cars and repairs but i'm eager to learn!

I'm thinking maybe something with the radius arms? Just about to order a grease gun from minispares seeing as it could do with some grease either way. Except I don't know which grease to use, lithium or copper based? Also, where about is the radius arm grease nipple? A shot of it would be most grateful, since I left my Hayne's manual back at my flat.

All suggestions greatly appreciated!

[bobs]

Normal grease for the radius arms...

Need more info to help you:

Have you changed the wheels from the standard size/width?

Have you fitted hi-lo's on the back?

When was the last time you changed the rear rubber cones?

Oscillation might be Shocks/Dampers are they standard, how old?

Rear subframe mounts, standard?

Last of all... Wheel bearings, how old?

Edited by bobs, 03 September 2010 - 01:03 PM.

[joe90gt]

you'll need to have a good check round the rear subframe, wheels and suspension, check all the mounting brackets and bolts on the subf and check for loose or worn wheel bearings and radius arms, if by oscillating you mean bouncing then it sounds like the dampers are shot for starters or if you mean weaving then you need to check for wear pronto. One basic question first - are the wheels and tyres original sizes? , anything wider has a potentail to rub, my 165/70 yokos rub on standard steels so i had to put a very thin spacer in to stop it happening, greasing wont make up for worn bearings - I used to slide bits of tin into the radius arms to get it through the MoT, but that was many many moons ago.

[Dev20]

The wheels are of standard size, 145/70 SR12

I've had the car 2 months and not modified it at all, just done a few routine maintenance jobs (oil and filters change etc.)

No hi-lo's

Not aware of when or if the rear rubber cones were changed

Shocks/dampers seem standard, had the car given the once over at a garage when I initially bought it and they confirmed all seemed fine at the time.

Not aware of the rear subframe mounts if standard or not, and don't know when the wheel bearings were last replaced.

I am taking it round to a friend's place who knows a bit more about it then I do, so we'll get it up on the stands and I'll keep those checks in mind and let you know!

Cheers bobs!

[Dev20]

Hi Joe,

I'll get it up on some stands this weekend then and have a good root around.

Yeah it was excessively bouncing at high speed after a bump, could shot dampers be caused by having a couple of lads in the back? It's only started since then.

My MOT's not due for quite a few months so won't have to go for those drastic measures . . . yet!

Thanks Joe!

[bobs]

Have a look for slight tyre wear on the rears (in odd places, not the normal), might help to find where it's rubbing then that will give an indication of towards what is wrong.

Good luck, visually checking out and seriving the rear end is the way to go, especially if you've just bought it!

[joe90gt]

bouncing is caused by knacked shocks - you might as well get a full set all round - not expensive and relativly easy to fit - the n/s/r is a bit of a pain because of the petrol tank but it won't pass an MoT on iffy shocks, as the suspension is pretty stiff anyway you may not have noticed the bouncing until you get some weight in the back, axle stands and the HBOL will be your guide this w/e, let us know how you get on

[Dev20]

Quick update:

Didn't get a chance to get her up on some stands over the weekend but had a poke around with a sharp object around the radius arm, bit of surface rust and the odd knackered washer, nothing too suspicious.

The tyres are actually 155/70 SR12, my mistake! But I'm going to rule this out as it never happened before. Checked the look of each tyre and they look fine so far since they are pretty new. No uneven wear or tear, all pretty standard. Gave them a squeeze to check for pressure and the wheel in question felt a bit suspect so took it to a petrol station and got them all inflated correctly (2.0 bar - back, 1.8 bar - front). Problem hasn't re-occured since, but I'm not going to rest there.

Tried recreating the problem a few times by taking an empty round-about a bit quicker than usual and throwing it around some corners but still nothing.

I'm going to take you're advice and get the dampers changed, will take her to a mini specialist so they can give her a more thorough checking too!

Thanks for all your help!!