'wobbly' wheels?

**Russ B** · 23-07-2006, 10:04

My car was lowered when I had it and I'm not sure how they did it but it seemed to be ok.

Recently the rear wheels seemed to 'wobble' a bit when going over bumps, nothing dangerous but it was noticeable, It was never a problem until last night when the wobbling got so worse it felt like I was caught in crosswinds and was all over the road, however it was only happening occasionally - say every 10 minutes or so. Plus the was a constant scrubbing noise coming from the wheels which would go increase as I went faster.

I got home and checked the wheels to see if they were loose - they weren't but the nearside wheel, alloy and under arch were red hot - the offside was fine.

Anyone have any suggestions?

handyman · 23-07-2006, 10:06

I'm no car expert but somethings is rubbing somewhere, you need to get it sorted asap, might be a rear brake problem.

Paul · 23-07-2006, 10:08

Get it to a mechanic, lowering cars is fine if done right but after time components wear or work loose. If the wheel arch is hot then you are getting wheel rub that needs dealing with before you get pulled by the police or a tyre explodes.

**Russ B** · 23-07-2006, 10:25

It's going to a garage tomorrow, was just seeing if I can get an idea before I go.

spiderplant · 23-07-2006, 10:27

I suspect the brakes too. Though I once bought a Dolomite Sprint where the tyres rubbed on the arches, either going over bumps or at full lock. Turned out the wrong profile tyres had been fitted.

Completely OT, but it also had no antifreeze, as I discovered at the side of the road one January morning.. And the engine bearings went a few weeks later.

A very expensive mistake. On the bright side it taught me a lot about cars. (And on the odd occasion when it was running well, it was great)

TheDaddy · 23-07-2006, 10:31

It might be your ball joint, in which case it is pretty dangerous.

**Russ B** · 23-07-2006, 10:51

I've just jacked it up - and the whole wheel is loose. I've taken it off and the brake drum is what's loose but the centre nut is pretty secure - am now in the process of trying to get the drum off to have a look.

**Rob** · 23-07-2006, 10:55

If you are in any doubt about it when you've put it back together, get the vehicle to a garage so they can check it out.

Why have a lowered car anyway. My normal one hits most speed humps round here, lowered would be really silly

**Russ B** · 23-07-2006, 11:17

The handling is greatly improved - but that's how the car came, wasn't my choice

JadeFalcon · 23-07-2006, 12:18

lowering the suspension puts stress on all the other wheel parts cause they wont be cambered properly anyhows .. unless the lowering was done professionally ... lots of cars usually suffer problems on the front end rather than the rear ... with it on the jack and wheel on give the wheel a good tug in different directions ... if it moves u got a problem

**Russ B** · 23-07-2006, 12:26

Looks like it was the bearings, although I won't know until we get it to a garage tomorrow.

Escapee · 23-07-2006, 13:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ D

Looks like it was the bearings, although I won't know until we get it to a garage tomorrow.

Whilst scroling down this thread, I was going to suggest it sounded like a colapsed wheel bearing.

Wider wheels, especially ones with a larger offset put more strain on the wheel bearings, in fact everything in the suspension so things will wear out quicker. The alloy wheels may be lighter than the steel ones, but its the leverage effect and the wheels are a lot more prone to buckling if there is more offset from the centre line of the wheel bearings.

The easiest way to tell if your wheel bearings are worn, is to gently turn the wheel by hand with the car jacked up. It will feel very rough or notchy if they are worn.

I guess in your case it was very obvious as they were gone way beyond this point.

AndrewJ · 23-07-2006, 14:47

What car is it?

**Russ B** · 23-07-2006, 14:47

Mk 6 Escort 16v Si

23-07-2006, 15:01

Defo wheel bearings.

did the car feel like it would pull to one side occasionally?

Wheel bearings tend to rumble for a while before they actually disintegrate, however I had a 1.4i escort that had a rear wheel bearing turn to powder on me. It locked up the rear wheel when I was driving on a motorway.

If there is any play on the wheel when jacked up, its 99% the wheel bearings that have gone. Be VERY VERY VERY carefull taking it to a garage.