another new noise

[dave]

My 1985 R4gtl which has done 69k has developed an increasing noise which seems to come from the rear n/s wheel. it is a droning grinding noise which seems to almost disappear when taking left hand bends and is at it's worst on right hand ones presumably because there is far less weight on the wheel.
i haven't investigated the problem yet but on the basis of "forewarned is forearmed" I wonder if anybody can suggest what the problem is likely to be and how it can be solved.

 

[malcolm]

The noise itself is probably the brake drum fouling the brake backplate suggesting that the rear wheel bearing is a bit loose. If the bearing and seat aren't pitted then it can be adjusted (taper roller bearings) and that'll probably sort it out.

 

[dave]

thanks Clementine, I'll check it out at the weekend

 

[angel]

In my opinion it comes from worn wheel bearings on that side.It is a typical symptom on cars having fixed wheel bearings, on R4s (adjustable bearings) they generally last longer but there is always the chance of incorrect adjustment,dirt etc. If you remove the wheel and spin the drum slowly,it should revolve smoothly, if you have any signs of rough movement then replace the bearings (better to replace both of the same wheel),making sure you adjust them correctly.

 

[dave]

thanks Angel
i have tightened up the nut as suggested by Clementine and the noise has reduced quite a lot. i think that i will replace all of the bearings as it seems a pretty easy job. The grease in the bearing seemed very thin almost like a thick oil, i presume that it should be quite a bit thicker