Car question...

Brk · Post by **Brk** » Fri Sep 20, 2002 3:58 pm

My car (1994 Camaro) has started making a "squeaking" sound when I turn, sort of like the sound brakes make when the pads are worn too far, but my brake pads are in good condition. It stops when I straighten my wheels.

I checked my fluid levels and they're fine, but I'm not too knowledgeable about cars and don't know what it could be.

black crowes · Post by **black crowes** » Fri Sep 20, 2002 4:23 pm

Are you sure you have enough power steering fluid. My car did the same thing until I added more fluid.
Maybe you don't have enough pressure in your power steering hose. Either that or a clog.

Croc · Post by **Croc** » Fri Sep 20, 2002 5:14 pm

Check out the thin plates that sit behind the brakepad to see if they are located properly and the securing bolts for the pad carriers are tight.
Also the adjustment on the wheel bearings.

Croc.

reverse · Post by **reverse** » Fri Sep 20, 2002 5:23 pm

Check the easy stuff first like serpentine belt, but it's more than likely wheel bearings.

Brk · Post by **Brk** » Fri Sep 20, 2002 5:24 pm

Thanks for the replies everyone. If it's the wheel bearings, is that a catastrophic (read: expensive) problem, or is it easily remedied?

brembo · Post by **brembo** » Fri Sep 20, 2002 5:29 pm

Wheel bearings are not too bad. The parts aren't bad at all, its the labor that'll get ya. I haven't messed with em in so long, I have forgotten the process. I'd say you could get out for less than 200 bucks, that being both front wheels. But again, its been sooo long since I messed with the things. Too bad ghost is not 'round, he could tell ya prolly within 5 bucks what it should cost.

Croc · Post by **Croc** » Fri Sep 20, 2002 5:40 pm

No, it's not even a disaster.

The remedy is to adjust them.
First, lift the wheel off the ground so it will spin and make the car safe to work on.
Remove the hubcap and the bearing cover in the centre of the wheel. Behind that is a nut with a splitpin and retainer holding it in place. Remove the pin and retainer. then, using a spanner/wrench take the tension up on the not until it is firm. The critical part is then backing off the nut by the correct amount. Look at the retainer and you have to turn the nut back by one pin slot only. Replace the retainer, pin, cap and hubcap and repeat to the other side.

The noise you hear is more than likely caused by this. When you turn, the hub goes off centre. Because there is an almost zero gap between pad and disc they come into contact.

Croc.

The only reason for replacing them is because they are noisy. They get noisy because the hard casing wears off in time and the bearings become pitted.
Replacing is relatively easy if you have the time and don't mind a bit of grease under your fingernails.
You will need a hammer, a drift (preferably brass) , a new hub seal for each side and some wheel bearing grease.
Tap the bearings cones out of the hub and tap in the new ones. Apply grease to the new bearings forcing the grease into the bearings. Replace the seal and put the wheel back on the axle.

Crocedit.

reverse · Post by **reverse** » Fri Sep 20, 2002 6:06 pm

The wheel bearings (at least for the Z28) are a sealed unit. To replace, you need to replace the entire assembly. If you go to http://www.camaroz28.com and do a search in LT1 tech for wheel bearings or a search on a member named shoebox, he has a good site with ALOT of online how-to's including replacing wheel bearings with pics.

If you can't find it, pm me and I will send link to you.

morbidpete · Post by **morbidpete** » Fri Sep 20, 2002 6:06 pm

my daddy says to check the air in the tires and to check the alignment . could be ne thign listed in this thread. i had him read everybodys post. he works for a 5 star dodge dealership and used to work for chevy 15 years ago untill they got in trouble for selling cars that were flood damaged.

Brk · Post by **Brk** » Fri Sep 20, 2002 6:24 pm

Originally posted by morbidpete
he works for a 5 star dodge dealership and used to work for chevy 15 years ago untill they got in trouble for selling cars that were flood damaged.

LOL...ok.