Rotational squeak!

[thegfb]

During the last 100 miles or so of driving my S1 3.8 FHC I have noticed a fairly high pitched squeak emanating I believe from the right rear hub.

With the rear of the car in the air and the right rear wheel removed when turning the axle I can hear such a noise occuring once per revolution which I believe is coming from the r/h hub carrier. It seems more of a 'squeak' than a 'scrape'.

As still a bit of a newbie I'm not sure what's required to rectify the issue - is it a question of stripping the hub down and adjusting the amount of shims etc. If so is this a reasonably simple job requiring only standard tools etc?

Any thoughts?

Thank you in anticipation.

Gareth

[christopher storey]

Gareth : the overwhelming likelihood is that you still have the grease nipple covers in place. These are a pair of half moon cups riveted together and secured to the drive shaft usually by a jubilee clip. They frequently slip and rub against the hub carrier causing exactly the noise you describe. They are, frankly, a complete waste of time and can be taken off without any harm coming to anything. Alternatively, you can just reposition them so that no rub occurs

[thegfb]

Thanks Christopher - I think they might already be missing but as soon as I can get back in the garage again I will double check.

Gareth

[JagWaugh]

Gareth,
If it isn't the U/J cover, take the wheel off and have a look at the water slinger - these sometimes come loose, or a bit of gravel gets in there and they get bent.

Andrew

[thegfb]

Andrew

Thanks for the suggestion.

Not sure I've got a 'water slinger' fitted either. Not entirely sure I know what one is! Something protective I guess - is it metal or rubber or w.h.y?

Gareth

[christopher storey]

The water slinger is a metal ring which attaches to the splined rotating part of the hub at its inner face . It often becomes detached and then rotates haphazardly independently of the hub or wheel and creates a ringing noise. However, I think it is inlikely to create a regularly once per rev scrape - that is much more characteristic of the half moons rubbing

[thegfb]

Andrew

Is a 'water slinger' also known as an 'oil seal track' as per the manual on page K8 &9?

Gareth

[Moeregaard]

Andrew

Is a 'water slinger' also known as an 'oil seal track' as per the manual on page K8 &9?

Gareth

The water slinger is a metal ring "permanently" attached to the splined hub during manufacture. It's visible when the road wheel is removed, and its purpose is to throw off water that might otherwise find its way into places it doesn't belong. As Christopher says, they often become loose over time and that's when the rattling/ringing begins. I agree with his and others' assertion that your problem is most likely caused by the half-moons universal-joint covers rubbing on the inside of the hub. These things do nothing but trap mud and debris, and you're much better off without them.

[Keith in Norfolk]

I have the very same problem as you , I found this was nothing to do with the hub or bearings.
Dose the squeak stop if you apply the hand brake a couple of clicks when moving ? If so It could be one of the handbrake pads
is just catching the disc , also check your disc for build up on the inner and outer face , I removed this with a Dremell and this plus cleaning with brake cleaner made a hell of a difference. ( you can do this with the wheel off but put the spinner back on so you can rotate the disc ) hope this helps.