Re: Wheel noise

[Shawn C Meze <skerocdriver@juno.com>]

On Sun, 7 Mar 1999 01:01:52 -0500 (EST) Rich Deede <rdeed@UDel.Edu>
writes:
>I visually inspected the beam but didn't really notice anything. Would 
>it actually look bent or should I do something more scientific to check 
>it out?


Look at the part of the axle beam that has a triangle shaped
reinforcement gusset welded  to the roundish beam and to the flat beam.
Know what I mean? If the gusset is flat, that's a good thing. If its
bent, like all of the bent axles ive ever seen, then that's the problem.
The gusset is the weak link and ive never seen the tube part of the axle
twist under. 

Example:
If your at the rear of the car looking foreword, the right wheel would
roll to the right if that was to the impact the curb. (meaning the bottom
of the wheel folds in, the top of the wheel folds out. --->  o/   )
Typically the wheel and assembly pushes in a little and the gusset bends.
The gusset is the key here. Give it a look.

Also, there is a method of checking the toe which is pretty simply to do.
You need:
2 tape measure's
2 flat, straight bars. I use 1/4" steel hollow bars 3' long
some string 
2 fish hooks or a helper will do.
2 little hand clamps (A helper will do)

We will do this on the rear left tire for a reference. 
OK, what you do is take one bar, run the string thru it and make it long
enough that you can attach the 2 fish hooks on the ends and then place
the bar about 3" above the ground next to the tire. (or have a helper
hold it there.) 

Secure the hooks into the tire. Don't be silly, just into the tread, were
not trying to get a flat here and you Don't need to stick it in far. Just
want it to hold the bar up is all.

Next from the right rear tire, extend out both tape measure's, one in
front of the tire and one behind. Extend them to the LR tire and secure
the ends to the bar with the clamps tangent to the tire. (This is where
the helper, helps!)

	O <---tire.
	| | <---tape measures comming from under the car.
	---<---bar.

Next, hold up the bar on the right rear side to the tire, ( I use my knee
until I can hold it with the tapes) hold the tape measure taught and read
the tape. Should be like 5' 8" something or another on both sides. (This
is easier for me to show than it is to describe... sheeee...)

The readings should be really close. If not, you got problems. 

I certainly hope this was clear enough, if not, ill try to help you
understand however I can. 
This also is a home alignment for the front wheels too, FYI.
GL!


              Shawn Meze
86' Jetta GLi           82' Scirocco GTi
The Fastest, Quickest, Cleanest and
best looking Scirocco in all of San Diego!
http://www.Geocities.com/MotorCity/Speedway/1308/index.htm

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