[FC] Rubbing sound in the front end

[Merv Krull and or Loretta Prosser]

Here is my two cents.... in Canadian funds....

Jack the front end up and set on stands.
With hands at the 12 and 6 o'clock position, try to wiggle each wheel.
There should be just the slightest amount of free play indicating that the 
wheel bearing is not cranked on too tightly.
This free play is not to be confused with worn or loose ball joints.
If not sure, remove cotter pin and readjust the bearing retaining nut 
according to the manual (just until freeplay stops then back up nut to first 
available cotter pin location).

Does it sound like brakes dragging?
Does it spin freely by hand?
Does the rim clear the tie rod end?

I have more information about FC tire rims which I will include in a 
separate email...
good luck!
Merv Krull
Salmon Arm, BC

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Keith Hammett" <khammett@stainlessfab.com>
To: <corvanatics@corvair.org>
Sent: Monday, December 20, 2004 6:11 AM
Subject: RE: [FC] Rubbing sound in the front end


>A couple of things here.
>
> 1)  Bob has a great idea.  On my rampy I put some incorrect wheels on and
> when I went to move it I had a "hard spot" when rolling.  I looked at lots
> of things but could not find the problem.  I wasn't to concerned with it 
> as
> new bearings and brakes were on order.  After I got the new bearing and
> brakes on the front I still had the problem until the wheel weight finally
> was worn down around the tie rod.  Thank goodness it was lead...
>
> So check your wheels for clearance.
>
> 2)  Jack up a tire at a time and support on axle stand (safety first). 
> Now
> grab the wheel and turn it while pushing on and pulling on it.  See if you
> can find the one that is causing the noise.  I would start with the front
> drivers side and go around clockwise.  Once you find the wheel that is
> causing the problem then remove that wheel and try getting the sound by
> turning the drum  (tip put on a couple of lug nuts backwards to hold the
> drum in place).  If you still have it then remove the drum and turn just 
> the
> hub.  If you still have the sound then remove the dust cap and see if it 
> is
> the cause.
>
> Good luck and "May the Patience be with You"
>
> Keith Hammett
>
> -----Original Message-----
> It also could be a rear wheel that is making the noise.  Check the rear
> wheel
> axle bearings and the rear wheel brake linings to drum clearances.  Sounds
> are
> hard to locate since they can be transmitted from one area to another.  If
> you
> think it might be a wheel, switch the rims from front to back and see if 
> the
> noise goes away.  Could also be, but no very likely, the front wheel 
> bearing
> outer seal is slightly cocked in the bore.  The fact that you get the 
> sound
> when turning left indicates that it is something that is flexing when 
> there
> is
> pressure placed upon it only occasionally.  Good luck.... this is going to
> be
> a test of your patience until you find it... Paul in CT...
>  ----- Original Message -----
>  From: Diane Galli
>  To: corvanatics@corvair.org
>  Sent: Saturday, December 18, 2004 1:58 PM
>  Subject: Re: [FC] Rubbing sound in the front end
>
>
>  Check to see that the wheel is an FC wheel, has the proper offset and is
> not
>  rubbing on the tie rod end.
>
>  Bob Galli
>
> -----snip------
> _______________________________________________
> Corvanatics mailing list
> Corvanatics@corvair.org
> http://www.vv.corvair.org/mailman/listinfo/corvanatics
> This list sponsored by the Corvair Society of America, 
> http://www.corvair.org/