Re: Wheel noise

[Rich Deede <rdeed@UDel.Edu>]

ok I just checked those triangular gussets that you were talking about
Shawn and indeed the one on the passenger side had a slight bend in it.
It was kind of an arc shape right in the center of the gusset, with the
arc pushing up like this    ---/\---.  I didn't notice any other problems
though. But since this gusset is slightly bent does that mean the whole
beam is now trash? What now? Should I change the beam and what else should
I look for now? I still don't feel any difference in the tiny bit that
I've drove it since. What gives?




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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