Whining noise coming from wheels & clutch issue

Sounds like brake pad noise?? I'd check that first. Look for excessive disc run out that rubs on the pads. Also, loose wheel bearings can do that sort of thing, too. You really need to get that wheel up in the air listen carefully as you spin it. Also check for looseness anywhere in the front suspension or steering. I had an 84 T-Bird that made the strangest noise from the right front wheel. I only heard it at low speeds, and braking or turning didn't seem to change it. I took the wheel off and checked everything, and it all looked good. I did that 2-3 times and couldn't find the problem. Drove me nuts! Then I rotated the tires, and the sound moved! Turned out to be a loose wheel weight. A little dab of silicone fixed that.

Hydraulic clutch? I thought all the Mustangs had a cable clutch - shows how much I know. Anyway, if it is a hydraulic clutch then you need to bleed it to get the air out; just like brakes. I can't think of anything in a cable system that would do that.

Maybe those wheels don't seat right on your car and the wheel is moving around the axle shaft centers. You might even have a cracked wheel. I had white 5-spokes on a 76 Blazer years ago with full time

----------------- Jim '88 LX 5.0 (now in car heaven) '89 LX 5.0 vert '99 GT 35th Anniversery Edition - Silver Mods to date - Relocated trunk release to drivers side, shortened throttle cable.

It is a cable-operated clutch. Speaking of which... the clutch cable is in pretty bad shape, but I don't think it'd do THAT.

-Mike

Cracked wheel eh? Well, lets just say these wheels are in FAR from "good" shape. The wheels have been smacked into curbs non-stop (were on my brother's V6 mustang) & have plenty of good 'ol "cuts" or jagged edges. Maybe I should look into new wheels.

-Mike

So does anybody know about this? The "wheels not seating right" thing? I rotated the tires today & it helped a _little_. The noise isn't as often now. I used to think it was the driveshaft u-joints but it stops when I hit the brake (even very lightly--barely enough to start slowing down) & so that tossed it outta my head. I have no idea & am really needing some guidance. Thanks.

-Mike

Starting to read on howstuffworks.com ...it's making me think something might be up with my differential causing the noise.

-Mike

Ok well... I'm more focused on the possibility that the problem is the rear differential. I'm HOPING the fluid is old/low... and that not too much damage has taken place yet. If the fluid is LOW, then I'll be draining it & putting in Castrol 80W90 (exceeds GL-5 standards)... anybody know how many pints is in 1 liter? Each bottle is 1 liter & I don't wanna buy more than I have to. I just bought some jack stands (already have car ramps)... going to check the rear differential fluid in the morning. I've only done it once before & I sucked at doing that (replacing it). I had Precision Tune (local autoshop who usually does the work I can't do) drain the old fluid (was new..i replaced it) and put in new fluid "just in case". I didn't wanna mess anything up. Anyway.. wish me luck. I'll keep everybody posted.. even though I'm not getting many responses. All feedback is greatly appreciated. I know you others have stuff to do =).

-Mike

Ok, bought 4 quarts of Castrol 80W90 Gear Oil (exceeds GL-5 performance specifications), a bigger oil catch pan, high-temp. RTV sealant, and a roll of shop towels. Time to put the car in the garage & turn on the fecking heater... brrrr.. I'll post again when I'm done or getting ready to kill myself.

-Mike

Just a reminder that a torque wrench is required to properly replace an aftermarket diff cover. I have the MAC cover which was 20lbs around the edge of the cover and 5lbs for the 2 bolts in the centre of the cap. I think those are some type of pressure bolts...so you might want to look up the specs for your cover.

It usually take 3 - 4 litres of gear oil. (1 US quart = 0.946 litres) and if you have a limited slip diff, you might throw in a small bottle of that diff lube stuff....can't remember what it was called but it comes in a small 4-6 ounce bottle.

Oh ya, buy a nose plug or some air freshener, because nothing smells as nasty as old gear oil...heh-heh.

-- Buzz Haze-Ottawa ON

appreciated.

Well... the verdict. It's still a little bit under-filled so I'll hafta either find a way to prop up the car on all 4's (keeping it level) or getting an autoshop to top it off... anyway.. i took her for a test spin & WOW. She runs much nicer & after bringing her to operating temp.. I drove her nice for another 15 mins.. then really stomped on it & noticed quite a bit of improvement. It DID have damn near exactly 2 liters in there... and Haynes & Chiltons both say it requires 3.75 liters.. I have about 3 liters in it... it kept spilling out (the rear of the car was raised, not the front... can't find a damn way to do it reliably.. I only have 2 jack stands). I'll go to Precision Tune & ask them to top it off w/ the oil I bring 'em. Shouldn't charge me much, if anything... we have a sort of agreement.. I fix their computers & they do my car repairs ;P. Anyway... thanks a lot Buzz & Jim Warman for the responses. She still hums at me sometimes, but RARELY and it's MUCH more quiet.

-Mike

Ok, took the car to precision tune & let 'em top it off... it was low by half a liter (jeezus). It's still making the noise... it made it REALLY bad at first.. then it fainted away.. and as I continue driving it the noise continues to fade away... I plan on putting 3.73:1 rear gears in sometime soon (within a few months I hope). Again thanks for the help everybody that posted. As for noseplug or air freshener.. I have a cold & can't smell anything ;D. I know how it smells lol...nasty stuff.

-Mike

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