Grinding noise 68 cuda

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jamesromeos

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Just put my cuda on the road for the summer. I ma having a grinding noise from the drivers side front wheel. It happens when I come to a stop, as I start moving again I hear the grinding. It is loud. My first thought was either a hung up shoe, or wheel bearings. When I got it home I jacked it up and gave it a spin, the wheel sounded fine, leading me to believe it is only when there is a load on the car. I rocked the wheel back and fourth side to side jacked up and there was less than 1/8" play. The car is 4 drum, non power, and had been sitting for a year.
 
Did you pull the drum? I would take a look for loose brake components, broken springs, etc.
 
Rusty brake drum from sitting for a year? I know disks will do that. Pull the drum and check the shoe contact area.
 
And you very well could be right about it being a bearing you only hear with the weight on it.
It happens all the time, but some people wait till it destroys the shaft before they do anything about it.
 
I did take the car for a good ride the other day, and the problem persisted. I am wondering if I can just rip the bearings out and rebuild them first. I did remove the drum, which seemed ok, the backing plate looked fine also. Could a shoe stick?
 
Yes a shoe can stick. More accurately, the wheel cylinder may have rusted up internally. Now hydraulic pressure can overcome the stiction, but the return springs may not be able to.Have a helper step on the brake,and release it as you are attempting to spin the wheel or drum. Upon release of the pedal the drum should immediately turn.
It could also be a faulty flex-hose, not allowing the fluid to return.
1/8 inch play in a wheel bearing, is a lot.An awful lot. I think the spec is around .008 inch. I set mine tighter.
 
Well I think I will at least start with the bearings anyhow....sounds like way too much play. I will also check the brakes with a second set of hands and let everyone know what happens. thanks for the imput
 
Check also to see if your backing plates are grooved, The shoes sit on a pad built into the backing plate, if the pad is grooved the shoes can hang up in the groove and won't allow the shoes to apply or return smoothly. 1/8" on bearings is huge play,,,,,perhaps with the load on the car the bearings are allowing to much play in the drums causing the drums to walk & rub the backing plate.
 
Check also to see if your backing plates are grooved, The shoes sit on a pad built into the backing plate, if the pad is grooved the shoes can hang up in the groove and won't allow the shoes to apply or return smoothly. 1/8" on bearings is huge play,,,,,perhaps with the load on the car the bearings are allowing to much play in the drums causing the drums to walk & rub the backing plate.

I am impressed, someone mentioned this. So many people, never look at the small details. If this is the case, grab a mig welder & go to work. If no access to a welder/welding skills, find a good buddy.
 
Seriously, look at it...it's in the numbers 1/8= .125...how many times does
.008 Guzinta .125?
 
Hey!, This is the same guy as the Broken bleeder....
 
Sorry , my mistake late atr night.
Anyway, you really need to look at it. We'll help you get it back together.
 
Find out if noise goes away with light to medium pressure on the brakes. This will help narrow down the problem.

I totally agree with the backing plate issue. I have seen that too many times over the years.
 
Find out if noise goes away with light to medium pressure on the brakes. This will help narrow down the problem.

I totally agree with the backing plate issue. I have seen that too many times over the years.


Then pull the front drums off and look for something out of place. If it goes away when you put the brakes on, it's most likely something loose in the front brake area.
 
Did this ever get figured out?

Ironically my car is doing the same thing. I just converted it to disk brakes with new everything! Any time I turn right I can hear a grinding sound. Sounds like pad to rotor contact to me, but I'm gonna check the bearing just in case. Either way, it's very irritating and has me a bit worried.
 
The drum in my car had a sharp rust edge. I ground it down with a grinder, and it went away...so far. lol

How was the disc conversion? I am thinking about doing that this winter. What kit did you use?
 
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