noise left rear wheel area

It started with a tick like maybe a rock in the tire tread. Then it stopped.

after a day of not driving there was a terriable grinding, which has now stopped again. Could this be brake pads? I don't think it would be a wheel bearing, any suggestions. the car is a 1982.

|UPDATED|1/17/2005 12:53:41 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

U joints, brake pads and wheel bearings can all make the noises you're describing. All are easy enough to check.

Differential yokes that are worn to the point of rubbing on the housing can also transmit noise to the wheel, probably won't start out as a tick though.

Sounds like a broken spring or retaining clip in the park brake. Mine did the same thing. Noise was there and then disappeared. If anything breaks in there it will usually make a noise until it wears away or is munched up by the drum and associated parts and then usually comes out as dust or very small bits that you will never find and scratch your head wondering where they went. Brakes feel fine with good pedal and the park brake still works.

Other things to listen for are:

1. if a retaining clip has broken, you may hear a small rubbing noise as the park brake shoe(s) is not held against the backing plate any longer and rubs against the inside of the hub.

2. if a spring has broken the park brake actuating lever that sticks out of the back ot the backing plate may be loose with the park brake in the off position. This is because the shoes will be loose 'cause the spring is not there to keep the shoes in contact with the lever when the brake is off. The shoes may rub against the inside of the drum as well because there is no spring to pull them away from the drum.

In any case, it's a hub spindle out job which is a PITA. Make sure you check all the uni's etc first.

Sure wish I could drive mine to listen for noises like that! Not that I want to hear noises like that, or that I want you to hear noises like that. Just would be nice to be on the road again.

Oh well, soon. Gotta drive her to the new crib in a couple months anyway.

You can easily check for bearing play and side yoke play. If you jack the rear of your car up, put your hands on 12 & 6 o'clock and push back and forth. You should have minimal play there. our side yokes should not move any more than a 1/16" - 1/8" in and out. If the yoke move more that than you'll need to replace the yokes. If you put your hands on 3 & 9 and push right to left, you should no movement. The tire might flex a tag but the assembly should not move. If it does, you could have bearing failure and you'll need to get them rebuilt. I wouldn't drive on it either like that.

Dan