Groaning noise

otter63 · Post by **otter63** » Sun Feb 25, 2007 3:31 pm

(I'm starting a new thread, cuz I felt like I was stepping on scotisha's topic. His was resolved as a loose exhaust clip, while mine is something else.)

Well, the noise went away completely when I rotated the tires, but now it's back, and I did some different testing to see when it occurs. Here's the scoop:

When I slow down to 55 mph, regardless of whether it's in gear or not, I get a noticeable whining/groaning noise that vibrates the underside of the car. This continues as I slow down, but as soon as I accelerate, it goes away. Also, if I turn to the right, it goes away until the car is going straight again, and then it returns. It does not occur above 55 mph.

Could it be something in the front suspension? Bad wheel bearing? Bad CV joint? I know my left CV needs replacing, and my tie rods are worn. Do I also have another problem now?

Thanks in advance!

If you want to see scotisha's original thread, look here: viewtopic.php?t=1983

keith · Post by **keith** » Sun Feb 25, 2007 6:52 pm

If you know the left side axle needs replacing, your in luck. See my post on EMPI axles in the parts section.

jwk77pgf · Post by **jwk77pgf** » Sun Feb 25, 2007 9:37 pm

You have a bad front wheel bearing, probably the right hand side, but it's best to go ahead and replace both of them. I had the exact same problem with mine on 2 different occasions.

otter63 · Post by **otter63** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 11:36 pm

Thanks for both of your suggestions. Will let you know if they don't take care of the problem.

I wasn't going to drive it until I got it fixed, but we had a surprise snowstorm here last night, and I had to be somewhere on time, didn't think my other vehicles would make it, so I took the Tercel on a short (25-mile) trip. The wheel bearing noise did not occur. I'm thinking it only does it when it gets hot enough. But the amazing part of this car shone through once again. The truck in front of me was fishtailing all over the icy road. The car behind me spun out and hit the embankment backwards. But the Tercel was so sure-footed, it was no problem. I could still turn or stop easily, and got there early.

takza · Post by **takza** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 3:53 am

otter63 wrote: The wheel bearing noise did not occur. I'm thinking it only does it when it gets hot enough.

I've noticed this with the front axles....they tend to make more noise in summer weather.