Clicking noise at LR wheel

[fjp912]

Recently I noticed that I could hear a clicking noise from the left side when coasting at relatively low speed on a narrow street with buildings, fences or something close by on the left that reflected sound back toward the car. I don't hear the sound at higher speeds but that could just be because it is obscured by wind and engine noise.

So, this evening I decided to investigate where the noise is coming from by jacking up each wheel on the left side and spinning it. The click is coming from the left rear wheel. It's not loud; in fact I am almost surprised I can hear it driving, but it is definitely there. It seems to click 4 times per wheel rotation.

Of course, I am jumping to the worst possible conclusion. Is this an early sign of rear wheel bearing-osis? Is it possible to save the bearings by regreasing them?

I also found in this process that I have a slightly dragging front brake shoe. I had to have a '64 which does not have the easily accessible star wheel of earlier models. I wasn't up for taking the front hub apart.

I think it is time to call in professional help. Once I find someone here willing to work on Corvairs. Yeah, I have no idea, and we have no CORSA chapter here (closest one 2 hours away), and I don't know any other Vair owners in town.

[tekwyzrd]

reply deleted by author - missed the "4 times per revolution"

[Motornoggin]

Exactly four times per revolution? Sounds maybe like the inboard U-joint "telegraphing" through the axle. Just a thought.

[fjp912]

Yes, it is definitely four clicks per revolution. From some other things I have read, this does sound like U-joint.

Which leads to a couple other questions: (1) Is a U-joint on a 64 Corvair a DIY job? Realistically. (2) Back to the infamous rear axle bearings. Is there something one can do to help maintain them and extend their life? The shop manual does not seem to describe a clean and repack procedure as one does with front wheel bearings.

[UNSAFE]

You're sure there isn't a pebble in the hubcap ?

I don't do early models but I'm pretty sure that the u-joint is a DIY project .

Often a clicking noise is a bearing.

U-joints often start out with a squeaking noise followed by a rumble or vibration and then the fatal clunking noise.

A mechanics stethescope or a long screwdriver held to your ear might help pinpoint where the noise is coming from.

Sound really travels thru the drivetrain so don't forget that it might be a problem in the differential.

[fjp912]

No stones in the hubcap. Interestingly, most people seem to say a bad bearing will grind/rumble and a bad Ujoint will click (until it clunks), you say the other way around. I'm going to check again getting underneath the car this time, rather than spinning the wheel standing beside it.

[Rons64]

This past weekend, I changed a front inner wheel bearing because it was clicking - although only once per revolution. Doing that solved the clicking problem. Mine's a '64 and has the star brake adjuster. I didn't think getting the hub off and reinstalled was overly difficult.
Ron

[JohnnyCorvair]

My 62 has developed a similar clicking noise from the left rear wheel. I am thinking U joint also. Mine only clicks when I am coasting. When I apply some throttle the noise stops.