Noise From Left Rear Wheel

[RG1]

Hi,:confused

I have been hearing a clicking to ringing noise in my rear wheel. Checked both sides to see if it is a bad bearing. Both wheels show no movement. I have noticed that the left rear wheel is sitting at about a 60 degree angeling inward. My son suspect I need to get the rear end aligned, then this would take pressure off of the u-joints (which could possibly be making the noise). Anyone have any other suggestions or is this logical. The car is usually driven six time a year as a show car. But recently I had to drive for six months placing a little over 6,000 miles on it. Any help is appreciated. I just don't want to spend money needlessly. Thanks!

 

[mike weyman]

could be the dreaded emergency brake.when i bought mine it had a grinding noise that i thought was bearings but was the e- brake.
if it sounds quiet while coasting slow with the door open listening out (DO NOT DO THIS ON THE FREEWAY)they're probably o.k. You may hear a shrish...skrish sound. this could be the e-brake. just a thought mike

 

[RG1]

The sound is kind of wierd. I had heard a month ago, as a ringing or whirling sound. I would only hear it at a slow pace, then it would go away once on the freeway or increased speed. It would come in go either during the day or just return a couple days later. The wheel was not at the angle it currently is now though. What do you think about the alignment idea.

 

[81 Corvette]

My left rear is making some noises too. Today it didn't but most days it does. Under hard acceleration, i get a noise thats hard to describe. Suffice to say, it sounds like something is hitting the drive shaft, kinda of a bang bang bang, although i can't see anything hitting. This doesn't happen when coasting, braking, or light acceleration. Very often, I also have one sqeak per wheel revolution. I read in my service manual, bearings ussally make a noise on every other revolution. I also checked, and don't have play in side to side play in teh wheel.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

The sound is kind of wierd. I had heard a month ago, as a ringing or whirling sound. I would only hear it at a slow pace, then it would go away once on the freeway or increased speed. It would come in go either during the day or just return a couple days later. The wheel was not at the angle it currently is now though. What do you think about the alignment idea.

I don't think I'd drive this car anywhere until I found out why the rear wheel is at a '60 degree angle'. I doubt that a normal wheel alignment will correct the problem. It's hard to diagnose the problem without further info, maybe you should have someone who is mechanically inclined have a look at it.

 

[82ColEd]

Ok, let me go on a limb here (and excuse my technical inexperience!):
I had the left rear tire almost fall off, when the attaching piece (dont know the word for it, sorry: The piece where the rim attaches to the axle.) cracked. I had to have it flatbed' to the shop to get that redone. It got too bad to drive, where the entire rear of the car would jiggle like a drunken sailor.
Pls be careful! I am not sayin that this is it, but who knows ? Get it checked out at a shop, before you drive it.
Again: I dont want to scare you, but this does happen. Our cars are over 20+years old..
Let us know how things go..
Stefan

 

[JohnZ]

If the wheel/tire is at a significant odd angle (and is progressively becoming more so), you have a serious mechanical problem (and safety issue); I'd get it to a shop right away and get it resolved.