Rumbling noise

[ab2cv]

Yes, I know it's probably wheel bearings - except that I just recently had both of the rear ones done! Is it possible that the local (non-lotus) garage could have bolloxed up the fitting or are my front ones now away as well ?? It's really hard to tell exactly where the rumbling is coming from - I just know it gets louder when I go faster. Any physical way of checking (without taking too much apart) or anything else that might cause similar symptoms (e.g. driveshafts, tyres)<br><br>Alan

[timmo]

Simple things first, check all tyres for correct pressure bulges etc... BTW my S2 is 521. I feel we are almost related!!

[Doug]

anything else that might cause similar symptoms (e.g. driveshafts, tyres)

<br>uh, loose wheel lug bolts . . .  :o<br><br>front brake line rubbing on whel's edge . . .   <br><br>squirrel guts stuck to yer tires   ::)

[Candles]

If it is a wheel bearing, you should be able to tell on smooth tarmac coasting with the clutch depressed, which end of the car it is coming from.  Try with the roof down as well.  To tell which side, drive as above and corner reasonably sharply.  If the rumbling sound goes up in pitch, then you have just made it the outside wheel of your turn.  I know this sounds stupid, but it does actually work.  Do it loads of times and both ways to make sure.  <br><br>Other things that rumble: CV joints.  RH Driveshaft centre bearing.  Your guts after Vindaloo.<br><br>I've just done a front wheel bearing so can offer advice on replacement if you like.<br><br>Candles.

[timmo]

Oh hang on ..warped brake discs????<br><br>Mine were warped on mine less than 3 months after fitting.

[ab2cv]

[quote author=Candles link=board=wheels;num=1101064642;start=0#3 date=11/25/04 at 09:42:21]If it is a wheel bearing, you should be able to tell on smooth tarmac coasting with the clutch depressed, which end of the car it is coming from.  Try with the roof down as well.  To tell which side, drive as above and corner reasonably sharply.  If the rumbling sound goes up in pitch, then you have just made it the outside wheel of your turn.  I know this sounds stupid, but it does actually work.  Do it loads of times and both ways to make sure. [/quote]<br>This is exactly the technique I was trying to work out which bearing it was. Trouble is, it never got any louder with cornering and even with the roof down it was difficult to tell if it was front or back (also difficult to find 'smooth' tarmac on scottish roads!)<br>When my rear wheel bearings were away, it was obvious the noise was at the rear and this time it seems slightly different so it could be the front. I'm going to check the obvious things first (tyre pressure, wheel bolts, dead squirrels etc), but from the suggestions I'm thinking either front wheel bearing or driveshaft.<br>I don't think it's warped discs, unless only very slight as this problem normally shows itself in lots of other ways like vibrating steering wheel and shuddering on braking, which  I don't get (at least not yet)<br><br>#521 - very close - could mean the cars were 'born' on the same day - Lotus twins seperated at birth?

[timmo]

[quote author=ab2cv link=board=wheels;num=1101064642;start=0#5 date=11/28/04 at 02:52:31]<br>#521 - very close - could mean the cars were 'born' on the same day - Lotus twins seperated at birth? [/quote]<br><br><br>Yep  [smiley=yes.gif]- both have the same family traits - leaky roof!!

[ab2cv]

OK - so by using the technique of completely ignoring the problem until it gets worse, the noise has got so loud that I can now clearly identify where it's coming from! Definitely the front left (sitting in the car looking fwd) wheel that the rumbling is coming from.<br><br>...away to price front wheel bearings now.

[Sy V]

AB<br><br>http://www.lotuselancentral.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=wheels;action=display;num=1091602795;start=30#30<br><br>£18.50 +VAT per side...one option for you.

[Candles]

You'll need a hub puller, bearing press and a very large pair of circlip pliers to put them in.  I did it a few months ago; not a tricky job but the above tools are required.<br><br>Candles.

[Rambo]

Alan,<br><br>I did the same as you - waited until the noise had got so loud that I could identify which front bearing was the culprit.  I ended up replacing both on the basis of Sod's Law i.e. that the other could soon go the same way.  Then I found one had been replaced by a former owner 21,300 miles before and  so I kept it, just in case.<br><br>Just in case of what I don't know !! Maybe a paperweight ?? You're welcome to it if you want.  Might save you a bit of money in the short term ?? I can bring it to Bo'Ness on Wed. if you're interested ??<br><br>Mark

[ab2cv]

Yes Mark, would be interested if you could bring it along on Wednesday. It might actually inspire me to get the thing fixed! (though I don't think I'll be opting to do it myself - so I might be asking about Kenny Browns facilities on Wed night also)<br><br>Cheers<br>Alan

[stevo]

the rear brg's are ajustable maybe they need tighten up after settling in. :-/

[ab2cv]

[quote author=stevo link=board=wheels;num=1101064642;start=0#12 date=02/08/05 at 15:28:53]the rear brg's are ajustable maybe they need tighten up after settling in. :-/[/quote]<br><br>Car is now sorted after ordering a new front wheel bearing from Paul Matty's and getting it fitted at Kenny Browns. I got him to check and adjust the rears at the same time.<br><br>I'm glad I got a garage to do it for me 'cause it apparently took a phenominal amount of pressure to press the old bearing out due to corrosion etc..<br><br>Alan

[Rambo]

You're other front bearing will probably go in a couple of weeks time, just as you are about to depart for Donington.<br><br>Sod's Law Alan !!!<br><br>

[Nemesis]

I had both rumbling and bad vibration in front wheels. Located a cracked bearing shell in left front bearing. The inner shell pressed out in two pieces. Crack had been there a while,probably caused by impact (previous owner ?)
Rest of bearing was very difficult to remove. The outer shell was removed from the hub by running a ring of electric arc weld around the inside,which slightly shrinks the shell,easy to remove. The inner shell was corroded onto the shaft,had to weld bars either side and use a big press. Took two hours to get everything apart.

[ab2cv]

So as not to start a new thread, I'll post here...

Can anyone tell me what type of grease to use for wheel bearings? Is it Lithium type or Moly type or other???
(in the midst of a rear disc change here )
Thanks
Alan

[ab2cv]

OK, so I used Lithium EP2 grease on the bearings, and used the Moly type grease on the caliper sliding pins. Hopefully that's correct.

Alan

[Candles]

I've always just used Lithium grease on the wheel bearings but I'm not sure if it is correct.

I found the same issue with pressing out the bearing. The pressure required was immense (almost hanging off the bearing press handle and thinking the whole thing would explode any moment) and when it gave way, the inner shell actually cracked, leaving a bit behind on the hub. I had to grind this off! Exactly the same thing happened on both sides at different times, so it must be a common issue!

Candles.