Chaps
SWMBO has a 2001 Alfa Spider. She is starting to hate it. Along with the airbag light now constantly lit, the roof leaking, and an uneven idle there is something else wrong. These issues will hopefully get sorted under warranty, but this other problem is bothering us. The car needs to be used tomorrow for a 200 mile trip, and we're both a little anxious. Her more than me, I won't be in it :)
It's been squeeking, nay squeeling, nay screaming, from the offside (drivers?) rear wheel for some time now. When the car is cold, there is no problem, but drive it for 5 or 10 minutes and it starts. If you lightly apply the brakes, then the noise stops. And I mean lightly, as if the caliper is just brushing against the disc. If you turn the wheel slightly clockwise whilst driving, the noise stops. But, as soon as you straighten up again, the screeching starts. Oh, after a long drive that wheel is particularly hotter than the others. You could not touch it for more than half a second without pulling away, surely that is not right?
There doesn't seem to be any change in the feedback to the steering wheel, no wobbling or anything. Saying that, if it's the rear then there probably wouldn't be.
I thought it might be the brake on that wheel binding? So, I took the wheel off earlier to look at the disc/caliper. I don't know what I was looking for, so I took some pictures[1] for you helpful guys to look at :)
Now, I've put the wheel back on and been for a spin. The noise is still there, but a hell of a lot less than before. Also, the wheel was taken off about a month ago by a family member to see if he could sort this problem, and for a week or so afterwards the problem was gone. Only to return.
I hope someone can make sense of my post, and I would appreciate any pointers [2]
Thanks
Dan
[1]Wheel hub -