Wheel Noise & Uneven Tyre Wear

[jbeer]

Hi All,

I have been having some slight wheel noise coming from the rear/nearside wheel and today I popped some new boots on the back wheels and whilst doing so the mechanic commented that the wear on the rear/nearside wheel was really uneven which after seeing it, it was.

It was suggested that this could have been down to a faulty tyre but also mentioned that maybe the bushes had gone on that side. My question is, has anyone else experienced this? and if it is the bushes where are they and how would I tell if they were split or shot?

Now the reason for asking is that even with the new tyres on I can still hear the noise coming from the rear...it is not major noise but more of a low frequency noise (not sure if I'm explaining it right) however there is no pull or wobble in the wheel whilst driving...I have also jacked it up and spun the wheel to see if I can see any unevenness in the rotation and I cannot and I have tried to rock the wheel and there is not give there either.

Any advise anyone can give would be well received.

Thanks - Jason :)

[stef123]

On such a new car I don't think it's the bushes that are worn - not to that extent anyway. More than likely the geometry isn't right and needs adjusting.

Is it a rumbling noise? Could be a wheel bearing..

[jbeer]

Thanks stef123, yes it is like a rumble and had thought it might be the tracking but had not thought of wheel bearing.

This there a way/test that I can do to check the wheel bearings? Just hope that it would not be a costly job :(

Thanks

[artscot79]

jack the car up and spin the wheel you will feel it being notchy as it turns and any noise will be evident

[Stoney871]

You'll hear a crunching, rustling sound if it's the bearings.

As stated before, get the geometry checked too.

Is the wear on the inner edge? if so the wheel camber / tracking is out.

[jbeer]

You'll hear a crunching, rustling sound if it's the bearings.

As stated before, get the geometry checked too.

Is the wear on the inner edge? if so the wheel camber / tracking is out.

Yes it was worn on the inner side and will be trying to see if it's the bearing then see about getting a geo set up done as well.

Thanks for the info guys :)

[Stoney871]

If it had been the front wheels with that wear pattern it would have been a symptom of low speed scrub mainly through turning the steering while stationary, as it's the back wheel I'd definitely say tracking and camber.

If the wheel has too much toe out angle them that would occur.

Toe in would cause wear on the outer edge.

[jbeer]

as it's the back wheel I'd definitely say tracking and camber.

If it is the tracking would this also be the possible cause for the low rumble due to the miss tracking of the tyre?

[artscot79]

theres the rear upper front bushes which can cause this under the car from the passenger rear door get under and look up you will see the long arm with a rubber bush and its bolted to the underside if these move back and forward freely theyre passed it and yes it can happen on such a young car. on the rear also theres various arms and bushes that wear ford have a machine that will tell you the alignment the toe and camber etc

[Stoney871]

It could well be.

The edge tread of the tyre is supposed to run straight so hitting the road at an angle will cause it to flex possibly causing the noise.

Get tyres and tracking done and see how you go from there.

If the noise doesn't stop then check the bearings.

[artscot79]

its a great idea the rear control blade suspension but a nightmare when it goes wrong theres 12 main bushes from the crossmember you see the lower control arm above that is a curved arm which is the upper rear control arm each side has these ,each arm has 2 bushes 1 from the crossmember and the other to the hub the long arm i mentioned also has 2 bushes its known as the control blade or the upper front rear control arm a main bush bolted to the underside of the chassis the other end to the crossmember it should move slightly but the rubber bush has a bolt hole with a metal internal if the rubber has split from the metal you would see it any of these bushes if they fail knocks the rear out of alignment . just thought ide put that up so you can visualy take a look yourself and know what parts what

[jbeer]

Stoney871 and artscot79, many many thanks for the information you have given me…its been really insightfull and has given me a starting point for a process of elimination. :)

[Stoney871]

Here's hoping you get everything sorted soon.

[jbeer]

Ok, I have not yet been able to get to my mechanic as yet but I have done the test of spinning the wheel and holding the spring to see if there is any nosie/vibration through the spring and I felt nothing but I did here a clicking noise which I recorded in the following link - http://s821.photobucket.com/albums/zz140/beerjjj/Car%20-%20Ford%20Focus/?action=view&current=D137C385-53DE-474F-9CE5-504FD9EF3865-1817-0000021AF0D8D172.mp4

Is this noise a normal noise when spinning the wheels as not noticed it before....next steps is to get the bushes checked out then if they are all ok the tracking.

Thanks

[Stoney871]

Bearings.

[stef123]

that sounds more serious than a bearing if you ask me... all i can hear is metal on metal rattling

[jbeer]

Bearings.

bugger I hope not as it is doing it on both rears :(