Miatapower List Archive

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: Steve Lewinski <(email redacted)>


Hello, List.

My '96 miata is making some strange sounds and I'm hoping the experienced here can point
me to a solution.

Symptoms: No abnormal sounds while driving in a straight line or curving left. When the
road curves to the right, I get what sounds like the droning of a large 4x4 truck tire
(but deeper in pitch) from my left front wheel area. This occurs at any speed over 10
mph. I also have a popping sound from the same wheel when applying brakes.

When cornering, I might feel some wandering, but it might just be my imagination.
Left-handers do seem much more stable.

I swapped the front and rear wheels on the left side and droning is still there as well
as the popping.

I have Bill's Big Brake Kit and am used to all the usual little sounds it makes. I
don't think there's a problem with them. They stop predictably and they stop NOW.

I'm thinking ball joint or wheel bearings. Or both. Can anyone point me in the right
direction? It's my daily driver so I don't want to do the dismantle-reassemble-get
parts-dismantle-reassemble thing. I'm hoping with a little help I can diagnose the
problem and get the parts before taking anything apart.

Any ideas?

TIA

-Steve Lewinski
96 Montego

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: Steve Lewinski <(email redacted)>


BIG THANKS to everyone, (Ray, Skip, Tom, Scott, Billy, Larry, etc..)
for your help with what I now beleive is a bad hub.

So tell me this before I begin dismantling the thing:
What determines the need to replace the upright?

-Steve Lewinski

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: Steve Lewinski <(email redacted)>


Yep.

You guys were right. It was the hub.

It had just a little play in it (very little), but that was enough to warrant
replacement. After removal, I could see that the grease had been oozing out of it and
had separated into its component parts: 1) Dark brown oil and 2) A light colored waxy
substance. It even smelled like burnt oil. No wear or scoring of the spindle.
So now the new hub is on. The problem solved. The steering feels much tighter, too.
The onset of symptoms was so gradual that I hadn't notice the car was torque steering
and pulling a tad while braking. Wow! Amazing how much that tiny amount of play can
change the handling of a miata.

Thanks again to everyone for your help. Love this list!

-Steve Lewinski

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: Steve Lewinski <(email redacted)>


Larry,

You're right. I should check the right front hub. but I'm tired of working on it today.
And besides, that was replaced ~1.5 years ago. I hadn't had the car long and the
symptoms were more pronounced. I could feel it in the steering and instead of the
constant drone, the sound was a scary "wuh.. wuh.. wuh.." that increased with speed.
Strangely, when removed, it looked fine. No scoring, play or leaks. But it was shot
just the same...

-Steve Lewinski





Larry Alster wrote:
>
> Been there done that, did you check the other side??? I found my right
> front was the problem hub and checked the left front and found it had no
> play but the seals and grease were shot.
>
> The right front should probably be the one with more wear because in
> everyday driving the right side takes more wear and load.
>
> Steve Lewinski wrote:
> >
> > Yep.
> >
> > You guys were right. It was the hub.
> >
> > It had just a little play in it (very little), but that was enough to warrant
> > replacement. After removal, I could see that the grease had been oozing out of it and
> > had separated into its component parts: 1) Dark brown oil and 2) A light colored waxy
> > substance. It even smelled like burnt oil. No wear or scoring of the spindle.
> > So now the new hub is on. The problem solved. The steering feels much tighter, too.
> > The onset of symptoms was so gradual that I hadn't notice the car was torque steering
> > and pulling a tad while braking. Wow! Amazing how much that tiny amount of play can
> > change the handling of a miata.
> >
> > Thanks again to everyone for your help. Love this list!
> >
> > -Steve Lewinski
>
> --
> Larry
>
> White Knight 1991 Crystal White #99 CSP
> Silver Bullet 1992 Silverstone #17 EM BEGI System IV Turbo +
> Honey B 1992 Sunburst Yellow
>
> Low Country Miata
> Masters Miata
> RAGS 074

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: Ray & Cindy Ayala <(email redacted)>


A rumbling sound is typical of a bad bearing, especially on a front wheel
without FWD. Once they get bad enough to make noise, they can get worse
quickly and sometimes suddenly. The popping sound is consistent with a chipped
roller (or ball) or race under load.

Steve Lewinski wrote:
>
> Hello, List.
>
> My '96 miata is making some strange sounds and I'm hoping the experienced here can point
> me to a solution.
>
> Symptoms: No abnormal sounds while driving in a straight line or curving left. When the
> road curves to the right, I get what sounds like the droning of a large 4x4 truck tire
> (but deeper in pitch) from my left front wheel area. This occurs at any speed over 10
> mph. I also have a popping sound from the same wheel when applying brakes.
>
> When cornering, I might feel some wandering, but it might just be my imagination.
> Left-handers do seem much more stable.
>
> I swapped the front and rear wheels on the left side and droning is still there as well
> as the popping.
>
> I have Bill's Big Brake Kit and am used to all the usual little sounds it makes. I
> don't think there's a problem with them. They stop predictably and they stop NOW.
>
> I'm thinking ball joint or wheel bearings. Or both. Can anyone point me in the right
> direction? It's my daily driver so I don't want to do the dismantle-reassemble-get
> parts-dismantle-reassemble thing. I'm hoping with a little help I can diagnose the
> problem and get the parts before taking anything apart.
>
> Any ideas?
>
> TIA
>
> -Steve Lewinski
> 96 Montego

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: Skip Cannon <(email redacted)>


>> Symptoms: No abnormal sounds while driving in a straight line or curving
>>left. When the
>> road curves to the right, I get what sounds like the droning of a large
>>4x4 truck tire
>> (but deeper in pitch) from my left front wheel area. This occurs at any
>>speed over 10
>> mph. I also have a popping sound from the same wheel when applying brakes.

The popping sound when applying the brakes sounds like the same problem I
have with the FM big brakes. The pads are positioned such that the outer
edge of the pad extends a few thousands beyond the edge of the rotor. When
the pad wears, a ridge forms on that edge of the pad. When applying the
brakes, this ridge hits first, then the pad slides out a little and the
popping is the sound of the pad hitting the rotor under pressure. I just
finished filing off the ridges tonight and also filed a chamfer on the edge
of the pads so it will take a little longer before they wear down enough to
form the ridge again. This is the 3rd time for this operation in less than
10k miles.

I don't know if this is related to the rumbling noise, but jacking it up
and spinning the tires and listening to the bearings with a mechanics
stethoscope should help isolate the problem.

Skip Cannon

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: "Tom Graham" <(email redacted)>


Hi Steve,

I will concur with Ray.

Scott Grimshaw just replaced his front hub & upright because of the same
symptoms you describe. The wheel felt smooth to turn when jacked. But made
noise when turning to that side.

I pulled his hub apart to check the bearings. WOW! Were they shot. Grease
black and hard, discoloration of bearings and race, and the worst part was
the galling of the bearing surface. As damaged as I have ever seen a
bearing. This was his daily driver so he ran on this bearing for some time.

Scott found the upright at a salvage yard to save money.

The brake popping may be unrelated. Did you grease the sliders the last time
you changed pads? I think this is important with the Miata and sticky
sliders will lead to popping brakes.

Tom



Tom Graham
4CED AIR 90
Columbus, Ohio
sebringmiata.com/tomt
Sebring w/7psi pulley/9psi mid-range, Home Made Water Injection, 1.8
injectors, HM CAI, 14* base timing/no controls, HM Bracing, 2.25" cat-back
exhaust, SP 8000, 1.8 Bigger Brakes on front


----Original Message Follows----
From: Steve Lewinski <(email redacted)>
Reply-To: Steve Lewinski <(email redacted)>
To: (email redacted)
Subject: Sounds from left front wheel area.
Date: Tue, 21 Mar 2000 23:50:09 -0500


Hello, List.

My '96 miata is making some strange sounds and I'm hoping the experienced
here can point
me to a solution.

Symptoms: No abnormal sounds while driving in a straight line or curving
left. When the
road curves to the right, I get what sounds like the droning of a large 4x4
truck tire
(but deeper in pitch) from my left front wheel area. This occurs at any
speed over 10
mph. I also have a popping sound from the same wheel when applying brakes.

When cornering, I might feel some wandering, but it might just be my
imagination.
Left-handers do seem much more stable.

I swapped the front and rear wheels on the left side and droning is still
there as well
as the popping.

I have Bill's Big Brake Kit and am used to all the usual little sounds it
makes. I
don't think there's a problem with them. They stop predictably and they
stop NOW.

I'm thinking ball joint or wheel bearings. Or both. Can anyone point me in
the right
direction? It's my daily driver so I don't want to do the
dismantle-reassemble-get
parts-dismantle-reassemble thing. I'm hoping with a little help I can
diagnose the
problem and get the parts before taking anything apart.

Any ideas?

TIA

-Steve Lewinski
96 Montego

______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at hotmail.com

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: Larry Alster <(email redacted)>


I've had a similar thing happen to our 92 silver. It happened at about
97k. Sort of a droning and knocking sound. It actually sounded like
the exhaust system banging the PPF. It finally got pretty bad at a
track event and I figured out that it was the hub. You could feel a
slight amount of play in the wheel when you grabbed it on top and bottom
and wiggled. When I removed the hub the bearing was shot and the seals
were gone. I replaced both hubs since the left side showed similar
symptoms on visual examination. I did not need to replace the
uprights. I bought the hubs from NAPA. Cheaper than Mazda and a
lifetime guarantee.

Tom Graham wrote:
>
> Hi Steve,
>
> I will concur with Ray.
>
> Scott Grimshaw just replaced his front hub & upright because of the same
> symptoms you describe. The wheel felt smooth to turn when jacked. But made
> noise when turning to that side.
>
> I pulled his hub apart to check the bearings. WOW! Were they shot. Grease
> black and hard, discoloration of bearings and race, and the worst part was
> the galling of the bearing surface. As damaged as I have ever seen a
> bearing. This was his daily driver so he ran on this bearing for some time.
>
> Scott found the upright at a salvage yard to save money.
>
> The brake popping may be unrelated. Did you grease the sliders the last time
> you changed pads? I think this is important with the Miata and sticky
> sliders will lead to popping brakes.
>
> Tom
>
> Tom Graham
> 4CED AIR 90
> Columbus, Ohio
> sebringmiata.com/tomt
> Sebring w/7psi pulley/9psi mid-range, Home Made Water Injection, 1.8
> injectors, HM CAI, 14* base timing/no controls, HM Bracing, 2.25" cat-back
> exhaust, SP 8000, 1.8 Bigger Brakes on front
>
> ----Original Message Follows----
> From: Steve Lewinski <(email redacted)>
> Reply-To: Steve Lewinski <(email redacted)>
> To: (email redacted)
> Subject: Sounds from left front wheel area.
> Date: Tue, 21 Mar 2000 23:50:09 -0500
>
> Hello, List.
>
> My '96 miata is making some strange sounds and I'm hoping the experienced
> here can point
> me to a solution.
>
> Symptoms: No abnormal sounds while driving in a straight line or curving
> left. When the
> road curves to the right, I get what sounds like the droning of a large 4x4
> truck tire
> (but deeper in pitch) from my left front wheel area. This occurs at any
> speed over 10
> mph. I also have a popping sound from the same wheel when applying brakes.
>
> When cornering, I might feel some wandering, but it might just be my
> imagination.
> Left-handers do seem much more stable.
>
> I swapped the front and rear wheels on the left side and droning is still
> there as well
> as the popping.
>
> I have Bill's Big Brake Kit and am used to all the usual little sounds it
> makes. I
> don't think there's a problem with them. They stop predictably and they
> stop NOW.
>
> I'm thinking ball joint or wheel bearings. Or both. Can anyone point me in
> the right
> direction? It's my daily driver so I don't want to do the
> dismantle-reassemble-get
> parts-dismantle-reassemble thing. I'm hoping with a little help I can
> diagnose the
> problem and get the parts before taking anything apart.
>
> Any ideas?
>
> TIA
>
> -Steve Lewinski
> 96 Montego
>
> ______________________________________________________
> Get Your Private, Free Email at hotmail.com

--
Larry Alster

1991 "White Knight" CSP #99
1992 "Silver Bullet" EM #17 BEGI Stage IV+
1992 "Honey Bee"
_____________________________________________
NetZero - Defenders of the Free World
Click here for FREE Internet Access and Email
netzero.net/download/index.html

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: Billy Hodgson <(email redacted)>


Power Junkies:

I have the exact same rumbling from the left front wheel on right
turns. Thought it was the downpipe or exhaust hitting but no evidence of
contact anywhere. Mine even does this when I lift off the throttle above
80mph in a straight line when the weight transfers to the front
wheels. Bad bearing eh? I jacked the car up and tried shaking the wheel
to check freeplay and it is tight. Guess I will try replacing the
bearings this weekend. I thought maybe I may have a bad bump stop but I
can't see up there w/o taking out the shock. OEM springs and KONIs on
lowest perch. Driving me crazier!

See Ya,
Billy Hodgson
93C Black & Tan FM2
mardigrasmiata.net/bb
mardigrasmiata.net

"In a society that abolishes adventure, the only adventure is to abolish
that society...."

On Tue, 21 Mar 2000, Steve Lewinski wrote:

> Date: Tue, 21 Mar 2000 23:50:09 -0500
> From: Steve Lewinski <(email redacted)>
> To: (email redacted)
> Subject: Sounds from left front wheel area.
>
>
> Hello, List.
>
> My '96 miata is making some strange sounds and I'm hoping the experienced here can point
> me to a solution.
>
> Symptoms: No abnormal sounds while driving in a straight line or curving left. When the
> road curves to the right, I get what sounds like the droning of a large 4x4 truck tire
> (but deeper in pitch) from my left front wheel area. This occurs at any speed over 10
> mph. I also have a popping sound from the same wheel when applying brakes.
>
> When cornering, I might feel some wandering, but it might just be my imagination.
> Left-handers do seem much more stable.
>
> I swapped the front and rear wheels on the left side and droning is still there as well
> as the popping.
>
> I have Bill's Big Brake Kit and am used to all the usual little sounds it makes. I
> don't think there's a problem with them. They stop predictably and they stop NOW.
>
> I'm thinking ball joint or wheel bearings. Or both. Can anyone point me in the right
> direction? It's my daily driver so I don't want to do the dismantle-reassemble-get
> parts-dismantle-reassemble thing. I'm hoping with a little help I can diagnose the
> problem and get the parts before taking anything apart.
>
> Any ideas?
>
> TIA
>
> -Steve Lewinski
> 96 Montego
>

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: Larry Alster <(email redacted)>


Billy

Unless you have special equipment you can't change the bearings. They
come press fit to the hub. You can't even buy them from Mazda. You
would have to get a place to match the bearings for you since there is
no part number for the bearings separately.

I could get a slightly up and down wiggle when I had the wheel jacked
up. When I took the hub off the back of the hub was covered with
grease.

Billy Hodgson wrote:
>
> Power Junkies:
>
> I have the exact same rumbling from the left front wheel on right
> turns. Thought it was the downpipe or exhaust hitting but no evidence of
> contact anywhere. Mine even does this when I lift off the throttle above
> 80mph in a straight line when the weight transfers to the front
> wheels. Bad bearing eh? I jacked the car up and tried shaking the wheel
> to check freeplay and it is tight. Guess I will try replacing the
> bearings this weekend. I thought maybe I may have a bad bump stop but I
> can't see up there w/o taking out the shock. OEM springs and KONIs on
> lowest perch. Driving me crazier!
>
> See Ya,
> Billy Hodgson
> 93C Black & Tan FM2
> mardigrasmiata.net/bb
> mardigrasmiata.net
>
> "In a society that abolishes adventure, the only adventure is to abolish
> that society...."
>
> On Tue, 21 Mar 2000, Steve Lewinski wrote:
>
> > Date: Tue, 21 Mar 2000 23:50:09 -0500
> > From: Steve Lewinski <(email redacted)>
> > To: (email redacted)
> > Subject: Sounds from left front wheel area.
> >
> >
> > Hello, List.
> >
> > My '96 miata is making some strange sounds and I'm hoping the experienced here can point
> > me to a solution.
> >
> > Symptoms: No abnormal sounds while driving in a straight line or curving left. When the
> > road curves to the right, I get what sounds like the droning of a large 4x4 truck tire
> > (but deeper in pitch) from my left front wheel area. This occurs at any speed over 10
> > mph. I also have a popping sound from the same wheel when applying brakes.
> >
> > When cornering, I might feel some wandering, but it might just be my imagination.
> > Left-handers do seem much more stable.
> >
> > I swapped the front and rear wheels on the left side and droning is still there as well
> > as the popping.
> >
> > I have Bill's Big Brake Kit and am used to all the usual little sounds it makes. I
> > don't think there's a problem with them. They stop predictably and they stop NOW.
> >
> > I'm thinking ball joint or wheel bearings. Or both. Can anyone point me in the right
> > direction? It's my daily driver so I don't want to do the dismantle-reassemble-get
> > parts-dismantle-reassemble thing. I'm hoping with a little help I can diagnose the
> > problem and get the parts before taking anything apart.
> >
> > Any ideas?
> >
> > TIA
> >
> > -Steve Lewinski
> > 96 Montego
> >

--
Larry Alster

1991 "White Knight" CSP #99
1992 "Silver Bullet" EM #17 BEGI Stage IV+
1992 "Honey Bee"
_____________________________________________
NetZero - Defenders of the Free World
Click here for FREE Internet Access and Email
netzero.net/download/index.html

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: "B. Scott MacLean" <(email redacted)>


Only one point to add ... the Big brakes have no sliders.

-Scott

-----Original Message-----
From: (email redacted)
[mailto:(email redacted)]On Behalf Of Tom Graham
Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2000 6:31 AM
To: (email redacted); (email redacted)
Subject: Re: Sounds from left front wheel area.



Hi Steve,

I will concur with Ray.

Scott Grimshaw just replaced his front hub & upright because of the same
symptoms you describe. The wheel felt smooth to turn when jacked. But made
noise when turning to that side.

I pulled his hub apart to check the bearings. WOW! Were they shot. Grease
black and hard, discoloration of bearings and race, and the worst part was
the galling of the bearing surface. As damaged as I have ever seen a
bearing. This was his daily driver so he ran on this bearing for some time.

Scott found the upright at a salvage yard to save money.

The brake popping may be unrelated. Did you grease the sliders the last time
you changed pads? I think this is important with the Miata and sticky
sliders will lead to popping brakes.

Tom



Tom Graham
4CED AIR 90
Columbus, Ohio
sebringmiata.com/tomt
Sebring w/7psi pulley/9psi mid-range, Home Made Water Injection, 1.8
injectors, HM CAI, 14* base timing/no controls, HM Bracing, 2.25" cat-back
exhaust, SP 8000, 1.8 Bigger Brakes on front


----Original Message Follows----
From: Steve Lewinski <(email redacted)>
Reply-To: Steve Lewinski <(email redacted)>
To: (email redacted)
Subject: Sounds from left front wheel area.
Date: Tue, 21 Mar 2000 23:50:09 -0500


Hello, List.

My '96 miata is making some strange sounds and I'm hoping the experienced
here can point
me to a solution.

Symptoms: No abnormal sounds while driving in a straight line or curving
left. When the
road curves to the right, I get what sounds like the droning of a large 4x4
truck tire
(but deeper in pitch) from my left front wheel area. This occurs at any
speed over 10
mph. I also have a popping sound from the same wheel when applying brakes.

When cornering, I might feel some wandering, but it might just be my
imagination.
Left-handers do seem much more stable.

I swapped the front and rear wheels on the left side and droning is still
there as well
as the popping.

I have Bill's Big Brake Kit and am used to all the usual little sounds it
makes. I
don't think there's a problem with them. They stop predictably and they
stop NOW.

I'm thinking ball joint or wheel bearings. Or both. Can anyone point me in
the right
direction? It's my daily driver so I don't want to do the
dismantle-reassemble-get
parts-dismantle-reassemble thing. I'm hoping with a little help I can
diagnose the
problem and get the parts before taking anything apart.

Any ideas?

TIA

-Steve Lewinski
96 Montego

______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at hotmail.com

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: "Bill Cardell" <(email redacted)>


The noise was most likely from the cad plated rotors on Scott's car. They
need to be driven 50 miles or so before they stop sounding like you have
frozen pizzas in there.


Bill Cardell
The Dealer Alternative, Inc
dlralt.com
200mphmiata.net
1-800-FLY-MX5S (orders only)
1-970-242-3800 (tech)


-----Original Message-----
From: (email redacted)
[mailto:(email redacted)]On Behalf Of B. Scott MacLean
Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2000 1:03 PM
To: 'Tom Graham'; (email redacted); (email redacted)
Subject: RE: Sounds from left front wheel area.



Only one point to add ... the Big brakes have no sliders.

-Scott

-----Original Message-----
From: (email redacted)
[mailto:(email redacted)]On Behalf Of Tom Graham
Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2000 6:31 AM
To: (email redacted); (email redacted)
Subject: Re: Sounds from left front wheel area.



Hi Steve,

I will concur with Ray.

Scott Grimshaw just replaced his front hub & upright because of the same
symptoms you describe. The wheel felt smooth to turn when jacked. But made
noise when turning to that side.

I pulled his hub apart to check the bearings. WOW! Were they shot. Grease
black and hard, discoloration of bearings and race, and the worst part was
the galling of the bearing surface. As damaged as I have ever seen a
bearing. This was his daily driver so he ran on this bearing for some time.

Scott found the upright at a salvage yard to save money.

The brake popping may be unrelated. Did you grease the sliders the last time
you changed pads? I think this is important with the Miata and sticky
sliders will lead to popping brakes.

Tom



Tom Graham
4CED AIR 90
Columbus, Ohio
sebringmiata.com/tomt
Sebring w/7psi pulley/9psi mid-range, Home Made Water Injection, 1.8
injectors, HM CAI, 14* base timing/no controls, HM Bracing, 2.25" cat-back
exhaust, SP 8000, 1.8 Bigger Brakes on front


----Original Message Follows----
From: Steve Lewinski <(email redacted)>
Reply-To: Steve Lewinski <(email redacted)>
To: (email redacted)
Subject: Sounds from left front wheel area.
Date: Tue, 21 Mar 2000 23:50:09 -0500


Hello, List.

My '96 miata is making some strange sounds and I'm hoping the experienced
here can point
me to a solution.

Symptoms: No abnormal sounds while driving in a straight line or curving
left. When the
road curves to the right, I get what sounds like the droning of a large 4x4
truck tire
(but deeper in pitch) from my left front wheel area. This occurs at any
speed over 10
mph. I also have a popping sound from the same wheel when applying brakes.

When cornering, I might feel some wandering, but it might just be my
imagination.
Left-handers do seem much more stable.

I swapped the front and rear wheels on the left side and droning is still
there as well
as the popping.

I have Bill's Big Brake Kit and am used to all the usual little sounds it
makes. I
don't think there's a problem with them. They stop predictably and they
stop NOW.

I'm thinking ball joint or wheel bearings. Or both. Can anyone point me in
the right
direction? It's my daily driver so I don't want to do the
dismantle-reassemble-get
parts-dismantle-reassemble thing. I'm hoping with a little help I can
diagnose the
problem and get the parts before taking anything apart.

Any ideas?

TIA

-Steve Lewinski
96 Montego

______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at hotmail.com

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: "Tom Graham" <(email redacted)>


----Original Message Follows----

Only one point to add ... the Big brakes have no sliders.

-Scott

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Short term memory problem. I remembered Steve mentioned he didn't have stock
brakes, after I punched the send button. <doh, head slap>

Tom
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at hotmail.com

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: "Tom Graham" <(email redacted)>


Steve,

Scott G. replaced the upright-with-hub as a matter of convinence. The junk
yard sold it to him that way. It may be easier to replace just the hub. The
nut holding the hub onto the spindle is staked. Use a punch to pound it out
so the nut can turn. I think I used a 1 1/16" socket and a lot of effort to
remove the nut. It's tight, so get the torque specs from a manual.

Tom

----Original Message Follows----

BIG THANKS to everyone, (Ray, Skip, Tom, Scott, Billy, Larry, etc..)
for your help with what I now beleive is a bad hub.

So tell me this before I begin dismantling the thing:
What determines the need to replace the upright?

-Steve Lewinski

______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at hotmail.com

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: Larry Alster <(email redacted)>


The only reason to replace the upright would be if the axle shaft is
scored. I'm not sure if the shaft is removable from the upright or not.

Steve Lewinski wrote:
>
> BIG THANKS to everyone, (Ray, Skip, Tom, Scott, Billy, Larry, etc..)
> for your help with what I now beleive is a bad hub.
>
> So tell me this before I begin dismantling the thing:
> What determines the need to replace the upright?
>
> -Steve Lewinski

--
Larry

White Knight 1991 Crystal White #99 CSP
Silver Bullet 1992 Silverstone #17 EM BEGI System IV Turbo +
Honey B 1992 Sunburst Yellow

Low Country Miata
Masters Miata
RAGS 074

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: Larry Alster <(email redacted)>


Been there done that, did you check the other side??? I found my right
front was the problem hub and checked the left front and found it had no
play but the seals and grease were shot.

The right front should probably be the one with more wear because in
everyday driving the right side takes more wear and load.

Steve Lewinski wrote:
>
> Yep.
>
> You guys were right. It was the hub.
>
> It had just a little play in it (very little), but that was enough to warrant
> replacement. After removal, I could see that the grease had been oozing out of it and
> had separated into its component parts: 1) Dark brown oil and 2) A light colored waxy
> substance. It even smelled like burnt oil. No wear or scoring of the spindle.
> So now the new hub is on. The problem solved. The steering feels much tighter, too.
> The onset of symptoms was so gradual that I hadn't notice the car was torque steering
> and pulling a tad while braking. Wow! Amazing how much that tiny amount of play can
> change the handling of a miata.
>
> Thanks again to everyone for your help. Love this list!
>
> -Steve Lewinski

--
Larry

White Knight 1991 Crystal White #99 CSP
Silver Bullet 1992 Silverstone #17 EM BEGI System IV Turbo +
Honey B 1992 Sunburst Yellow

Low Country Miata
Masters Miata
RAGS 074

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: Larry Alster <(email redacted)>


Well actually you did check it. You said its only 1.5 years old. I
would be very surprised if it was bad already. This also goes to my the
right is likely to fail first theory.

Steve Lewinski wrote:
>
> Larry,
>
> You're right. I should check the right front hub. but I'm tired of working on it today.
> And besides, that was replaced ~1.5 years ago. I hadn't had the car long and the
> symptoms were more pronounced. I could feel it in the steering and instead of the
> constant drone, the sound was a scary "wuh.. wuh.. wuh.." that increased with speed.
> Strangely, when removed, it looked fine. No scoring, play or leaks. But it was shot
> just the same...
>
> -Steve Lewinski
>
>
>
> Larry Alster wrote:
> >
> > Been there done that, did you check the other side??? I found my right
> > front was the problem hub and checked the left front and found it had no
> > play but the seals and grease were shot.
> >
> > The right front should probably be the one with more wear because in
> > everyday driving the right side takes more wear and load.
> >
> > Steve Lewinski wrote:
> > >
> > > Yep.
> > >
> > > You guys were right. It was the hub.
> > >
> > > It had just a little play in it (very little), but that was enough to warrant
> > > replacement. After removal, I could see that the grease had been oozing out of it and
> > > had separated into its component parts: 1) Dark brown oil and 2) A light colored waxy
> > > substance. It even smelled like burnt oil. No wear or scoring of the spindle.
> > > So now the new hub is on. The problem solved. The steering feels much tighter, too.
> > > The onset of symptoms was so gradual that I hadn't notice the car was torque steering
> > > and pulling a tad while braking. Wow! Amazing how much that tiny amount of play can
> > > change the handling of a miata.
> > >
> > > Thanks again to everyone for your help. Love this list!
> > >
> > > -Steve Lewinski
> >
> > --
> > Larry
> >
> > White Knight 1991 Crystal White #99 CSP
> > Silver Bullet 1992 Silverstone #17 EM BEGI System IV Turbo +
> > Honey B 1992 Sunburst Yellow
> >
> > Low Country Miata
> > Masters Miata
> > RAGS 074

--
Larry

White Knight 1991 Crystal White #99 CSP
Silver Bullet 1992 Silverstone #17 EM BEGI System IV Turbo +
Honey B 1992 Sunburst Yellow

Low Country Miata
Masters Miata
RAGS 074