Quick Help - Strange Noise

[Bonnell]

Hello All,

When I put my '88 automatic (no mods) into gear (forward or reverse) and when I start to move after stopping, I hear a loud creaking (almost a thump) noise that sounds like it is coming from behind my seat toward the left rear wheel.

When I first start moving, sometimes it seems like the tire may be rubbing against something but that stops after a few seconds.

The mechanic that I want to use may not be available for a few days and this is my daily driver. I don't want to drive it if it might damage something.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

J

 

[4U2NV1986]

Sounds like your rear calipers are hanging up then releasing after you move forward.

 

[BigRed]

Im going to go brakes on this to.

Now you do have an automatic so lemme ask you this.

Have you accidently or recently put your E.brake on?

Think hard it matters! LOL

When cars get old metal corrodes etc.. your E.brake cables are probably seized and by using them all of the sudden they will stay locked or "semi" locked into postion.

Im betting your fighting your E.brake

Jack up the rear of the car, put the car into neutral, and try to spin those wheels by hand your have a better idea then.

 

[Bonnell]

It seems to come from just inside of the rear driverside wheel. I wondered about u-joints too. I was able to talk with a guy that has a lot of experience with corvettes and that was his initial thought. I am taking it in Friday to have him take a look.


I asked about the following also and he was stumped:
When I first back out of my driveway, there is a sound that comes from the rear end that sounds a little muffled. It has always done this, It is like something in the rear automatically adjusts itself each time you back out.

 

[Bonnell]

I had not thought of the ebrake. Yes, I set it the other day but it seemed to release ok. Wow, I'd like for that to be the problem. I have other important things to fix also.

 

[caninelver]

I asked about the following also and he was stumped:
When I first back out of my driveway, there is a sound that comes from the rear end that sounds a little muffled. It has always done this, It is like something in the rear automatically adjusts itself each time you back out.[/QUOTE]

I have an 88 also and I have the same noise when I back out of drive after first starting it. Sounds like a little motor that comes on for about 3-5 seconds then goes off. At first it drove me nuts but now its so normal I don't even notice it. Maybe its an ABS sensor or something doing a self test.
As far as the E brakes, mine stay on about half the time until I jiggle the handle. I haven't had any noise with it though. Good luck.

 

[bodyman]

abs

my 87 i think has the same sound that yours does. i believe it has something to do with the abs system. if you lightly put your foot on the brake pedal you will feel it grumble under it. hope this might help bill

 

[Bonnell]

I think that someone replied long ago that this has to do with the ABS system. It does sound like some kind of motor and I assume it is normal. I feel better that you have teh same experience.

 

[RedRagTop]

MIne does it every time I start and back it out in the same spot in my driveway. It is the ABS pump doing a self-test. It is not really loud though. Does your car do this every time you move it or only when you first start it and move it?

 

[Bonnell]

The 'normal' noise happens every time. I think someone else mentioned the ABS moter.

The Strange Noise happens when I put the car in gear. Loud creak seems to be by the inside of the driver rear wheel.

 

[tyrel]

It sounds so much like a u-joint problem that it's not funny. Not that hard to replace or diagnose for that matter. If you elevate the rear of the car and wheel-chock the front tires and leave the car in neutral, and leave the parking brake off, turn the wheel with your hands and see if you get the noise. My guess is that it's either the wheel bearing or the u-joint, most likely the u-joint. As long as you'll have the half-shaft out, you might as well replace both of the u-joints, here is a site that might help:

http://personal.tmlp.com/scorp/vette/images/ujoints/index.html

 

[Vettefan87]

I dont think its a wheel bearing. If it is it would make noise when he hits bumps and what not. My wheel bearing is bad and it doesnt make any noise under acceleration. I think its a U-Joint problem myself. My brother had the same problem on his 86. And you should replace both sides. I think you can buy two kinds of U-joints ones that are sealed and ones that have a grease fitting. the ones with the grease fitting you can grease but the sealed ones you cant, i dont know which one is better though.

 

[Bonnell]

Thanks for the help. I have found a corvette mechanic in town who come well recommended. I'm going to give him a shot.