Re: Wheel noise

[Rich Deede <rdeed@UDel.Edu>]

Now would a bent axle make the car feel different when driving it? And
what would this cost me to fix this in a worst case scenario?  I just want
to get an idea what I am looking at, if knowing my luck it turns out to be
as bad as you guys suggest it might be.




Rich Deede
University Of Delaware (Communications)
1987 Scirocco 16v



On Sun, 7 Mar 1999, Shawn C Meze wrote:

> 
> 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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