Corolla Front End Noise

I have a 93 Toyota Corolla DX, Auto transmission, 202,000 miles.

There appears to be a humming noise coming from the front end. It
sounds like a low frequency helicopter blade spinning about - like a
'whomp whomp whomp" sound. If you listen closely, it occurs at all
speeds. It seems to be directly related to the sound of normal
braking, and you can feel it ever so slightly in the steering wheel.

The frequency of the sound increases with road speed, and becomes most
pronounced at 40 - 45 mph...

What I've done to trouble shoot:

1) A slide pin on the driver's side brake caliper was frozen. Caused
brake pad rubbing - replaced pin and relubed the pins. Thought for
sure that was it - however it wasn't.

2) Replaced driver side wheel bearing - as that wheel didn't spin very
well. Didn't change the noise (but wheel turns well.) Passenger side
bearing appears to be fine.

3) Rotated tires. No change.

I'm running out of ideas. The CV joins all look ok - no breakage and
no clicking during turns.

I've only recently obtained this car so I don't know its history - I
don't know if the sound is normal road noise, is typical of the tire
(Michelin) manufacturer, or perhaps a binding caliper...

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

TIA

Tom

"SlyckTom" <tom@slyck.com> wrote in message
news:5e5eh2dkva8fer70ignd9pqvmcen3p4oju@4ax.com...[color=blue]
>I have a 93 Toyota Corolla DX, Auto transmission, 202,000 miles.
>
> There appears to be a humming noise coming from the front end. It
> sounds like a low frequency helicopter blade spinning about - like a
> 'whomp whomp whomp" sound. If you listen closely, it occurs at all
> speeds. It seems to be directly related to the sound of normal
> braking, and you can feel it ever so slightly in the steering wheel.
>
> The frequency of the sound increases with road speed, and becomes most
> pronounced at 40 - 45 mph...
>
> What I've done to trouble shoot:
>
> 1) A slide pin on the driver's side brake caliper was frozen. Caused
> brake pad rubbing - replaced pin and relubed the pins. Thought for
> sure that was it - however it wasn't.
>
> 2) Replaced driver side wheel bearing - as that wheel didn't spin very
> well. Didn't change the noise (but wheel turns well.) Passenger side
> bearing appears to be fine.
>
> 3) Rotated tires. No change.
>
> I'm running out of ideas. The CV joins all look ok - no breakage and
> no clicking during turns.
>
> I've only recently obtained this car so I don't know its history - I
> don't know if the sound is normal road noise, is typical of the tire
> (Michelin) manufacturer, or perhaps a binding caliper...
>
> Any suggestions are greatly appreciated![/color]

Call in to NPR's "Car Talk". ;-)

Cathy

[color=blue]
>
> TIA
>
> Tom
>[/color]

On Sun, 24 Sep 2006 20:11:48 -0400, "Cathy F." <clfr@adelphiadot.net>
wrote:
[color=blue]
>
>"SlyckTom" <tom@slyck.com> wrote in message
>news:5e5eh2dkva8fer70ignd9pqvmcen3p4oju@4ax.com...[color=green]
>>I have a 93 Toyota Corolla DX, Auto transmission, 202,000 miles.
>>
>> There appears to be a humming noise coming from the front end. It
>> sounds like a low frequency helicopter blade spinning about - like a
>> 'whomp whomp whomp" sound. If you listen closely, it occurs at all
>> speeds. It seems to be directly related to the sound of normal
>> braking, and you can feel it ever so slightly in the steering wheel.
>>
>> The frequency of the sound increases with road speed, and becomes most
>> pronounced at 40 - 45 mph...
>>
>> What I've done to trouble shoot:
>>
>> 1) A slide pin on the driver's side brake caliper was frozen. Caused
>> brake pad rubbing - replaced pin and relubed the pins. Thought for
>> sure that was it - however it wasn't.
>>
>> 2) Replaced driver side wheel bearing - as that wheel didn't spin very
>> well. Didn't change the noise (but wheel turns well.) Passenger side
>> bearing appears to be fine.
>>
>> 3) Rotated tires. No change.
>>
>> I'm running out of ideas. The CV joins all look ok - no breakage and
>> no clicking during turns.
>>
>> I've only recently obtained this car so I don't know its history - I
>> don't know if the sound is normal road noise, is typical of the tire
>> (Michelin) manufacturer, or perhaps a binding caliper...
>>
>> Any suggestions are greatly appreciated![/color]
>
>Call in to NPR's "Car Talk". ;-)
>
>Cathy
>[/color]
Call into Ray O....

You want someone that knows what he is doing....not NPR!

--

Scott in Florida

SlyckTom wrote:[color=blue]
> I have a 93 Toyota Corolla DX, Auto transmission, 202,000 miles.
>
> There appears to be a humming noise coming from the front end. It
> sounds like a low frequency helicopter blade spinning about - like a
> 'whomp whomp whomp" sound. If you listen closely, it occurs at all[/color]

My father-in-law just gave my wife the exact same car with 100,000
fewer miles on it and the exact same problem. In his case the sound
started after some minor front-end damage (minor enough that if we
painted the replacement hood to match the rest of the car, you would
not be able to tell it had happened). I've eliminated the brakes and
the wheel bearings and am, at this point, scratching my head much the
same way you are :) I also checked to see if the wheel well liner was
maybe cracked and dangling onto the wheel - no dice there.

However it did NOT make this noise previously, so it is definitely NOT
normal road noise. Not sure what brand of tires are on it but they are
the old-fashioned zigzag tread pattern, not these newfangled treads
that look like bird footprints.

On Sun, 24 Sep 2006 19:55:20 -0400, SlyckTom wrote:
[color=blue]
> I have a 93 Toyota Corolla DX, Auto transmission, 202,000 miles.
>
> There appears to be a humming noise coming from the front end. It
> sounds like a low frequency helicopter blade spinning about - like a
> 'whomp whomp whomp" sound. If you listen closely, it occurs at all
> speeds. It seems to be directly related to the sound of normal
> braking, and you can feel it ever so slightly in the steering wheel.
>
> The frequency of the sound increases with road speed, and becomes most
> pronounced at 40 - 45 mph...
>
> What I've done to trouble shoot:
>
> 1) A slide pin on the driver's side brake caliper was frozen. Caused
> brake pad rubbing - replaced pin and relubed the pins. Thought for
> sure that was it - however it wasn't.
>
> 2) Replaced driver side wheel bearing - as that wheel didn't spin very
> well. Didn't change the noise (but wheel turns well.) Passenger side
> bearing appears to be fine.
>
> 3) Rotated tires. No change.
>
> I'm running out of ideas. The CV joins all look ok - no breakage and
> no clicking during turns.
>
> I've only recently obtained this car so I don't know its history - I
> don't know if the sound is normal road noise, is typical of the tire
> (Michelin) manufacturer, or perhaps a binding caliper...
>
> Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!
>
> TIA
>
> Tom[/color]


What I have experienced with this:

1. Shock has gone totally out of oil or gas
2. Tire has a broken belt. This really manifests itself at slower speeds
with a modulation of the steering wheel, that goes away as you speed up.
THIS IS EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS!!! Get this checked!
3. One of your brake calipers has sticking slides, and is heating up the
rotor. This starts out normal, and gets worse the longer you drive.
This is also hazardous.


You can check for sticking brakes by feeling the wheels after driving. If
one wheel is hot and the others relatively cool, that's the problem.

"Scott in Florida" <askifyouwant@mindspring.net> wrote in message
news:8s8eh2h78klqn8oqunoddqjk6bsct81b9r@4ax.com...[color=blue]
> On Sun, 24 Sep 2006 20:11:48 -0400, "Cathy F." <clfr@adelphiadot.net>
> wrote:
>[color=green]
>>
>>"SlyckTom" <tom@slyck.com> wrote in message
>>news:5e5eh2dkva8fer70ignd9pqvmcen3p4oju@4ax.com...[color=darkred]
>>>I have a 93 Toyota Corolla DX, Auto transmission, 202,000 miles.
>>>
>>> There appears to be a humming noise coming from the front end. It
>>> sounds like a low frequency helicopter blade spinning about - like a
>>> 'whomp whomp whomp" sound. If you listen closely, it occurs at all
>>> speeds. It seems to be directly related to the sound of normal
>>> braking, and you can feel it ever so slightly in the steering wheel.
>>>
>>> The frequency of the sound increases with road speed, and becomes most
>>> pronounced at 40 - 45 mph...
>>>
>>> What I've done to trouble shoot:
>>>
>>> 1) A slide pin on the driver's side brake caliper was frozen. Caused
>>> brake pad rubbing - replaced pin and relubed the pins. Thought for
>>> sure that was it - however it wasn't.
>>>
>>> 2) Replaced driver side wheel bearing - as that wheel didn't spin very
>>> well. Didn't change the noise (but wheel turns well.) Passenger side
>>> bearing appears to be fine.
>>>
>>> 3) Rotated tires. No change.
>>>
>>> I'm running out of ideas. The CV joins all look ok - no breakage and
>>> no clicking during turns.
>>>
>>> I've only recently obtained this car so I don't know its history - I
>>> don't know if the sound is normal road noise, is typical of the tire
>>> (Michelin) manufacturer, or perhaps a binding caliper...
>>>
>>> Any suggestions are greatly appreciated![/color]
>>
>>Call in to NPR's "Car Talk". ;-)
>>
>>Cathy
>>[/color]
> Call into Ray O....
>
> You want someone that knows what he is doing....not NPR![/color]

What?! Not a "Car Talk" fan?!? Somehow I cna't quite see you listening to
or enjoyuing "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!" (which I, OTOH, love!), but "Car
Talk"???

Cathy


Cathy

[color=blue]
>
> --
>
> Scott in Florida
>[/color]

On Sun, 24 Sep 2006 20:11:48 -0400, Cathy F. wrote:
[color=blue]
>
> "SlyckTom" <tom@slyck.com> wrote in message
> news:5e5eh2dkva8fer70ignd9pqvmcen3p4oju@4ax.com...[color=green]
>>I have a 93 Toyota Corolla DX, Auto transmission, 202,000 miles.
>>
>> There appears to be a humming noise coming from the front end. It
>> sounds like a low frequency helicopter blade spinning about - like a
>> 'whomp whomp whomp" sound. If you listen closely, it occurs at all
>> speeds. It seems to be directly related to the sound of normal
>> braking, and you can feel it ever so slightly in the steering wheel.
>>
>> The frequency of the sound increases with road speed, and becomes most
>> pronounced at 40 - 45 mph...
>>
>> What I've done to trouble shoot:
>>
>> 1) A slide pin on the driver's side brake caliper was frozen. Caused
>> brake pad rubbing - replaced pin and relubed the pins. Thought for
>> sure that was it - however it wasn't.
>>
>> 2) Replaced driver side wheel bearing - as that wheel didn't spin very
>> well. Didn't change the noise (but wheel turns well.) Passenger side
>> bearing appears to be fine.
>>
>> 3) Rotated tires. No change.
>>
>> I'm running out of ideas. The CV joins all look ok - no breakage and
>> no clicking during turns.
>>
>> I've only recently obtained this car so I don't know its history - I
>> don't know if the sound is normal road noise, is typical of the tire
>> (Michelin) manufacturer, or perhaps a binding caliper...
>>
>> Any suggestions are greatly appreciated![/color]
>
> Call in to NPR's "Car Talk". ;-)
>
> Cathy
>[/color]

Gee, Cath, when was the last time they gave an ACTUAL answer?!

I used to listen to them when they first started in Boston, and it was a
GREAT show for backyard mechanics. It was live, real time, and you could
call and talk to them and get advice, and not have to leave a message and
hoped they thought your call had enough 'entertainment' value to give you
a call back!



[color=blue]
>[color=green]
>>
>> TIA
>>
>> Tom
>>[/color][/color]

On Sun, 24 Sep 2006 22:23:23 -0400, Cathy F. wrote:
[color=blue]
>
> "Scott in Florida" <askifyouwant@mindspring.net> wrote in message
> news:8s8eh2h78klqn8oqunoddqjk6bsct81b9r@4ax.com...[color=green]
>> On Sun, 24 Sep 2006 20:11:48 -0400, "Cathy F." <clfr@adelphiadot.net>
>> wrote:
>>[color=darkred]
>>>
>>>"SlyckTom" <tom@slyck.com> wrote in message
>>>news:5e5eh2dkva8fer70ignd9pqvmcen3p4oju@4ax.com...
>>>>I have a 93 Toyota Corolla DX, Auto transmission, 202,000 miles.
>>>>
>>>> There appears to be a humming noise coming from the front end. It
>>>> sounds like a low frequency helicopter blade spinning about - like a
>>>> 'whomp whomp whomp" sound. If you listen closely, it occurs at all
>>>> speeds. It seems to be directly related to the sound of normal
>>>> braking, and you can feel it ever so slightly in the steering wheel.
>>>>
>>>> The frequency of the sound increases with road speed, and becomes most
>>>> pronounced at 40 - 45 mph...
>>>>
>>>> What I've done to trouble shoot:
>>>>
>>>> 1) A slide pin on the driver's side brake caliper was frozen. Caused
>>>> brake pad rubbing - replaced pin and relubed the pins. Thought for
>>>> sure that was it - however it wasn't.
>>>>
>>>> 2) Replaced driver side wheel bearing - as that wheel didn't spin very
>>>> well. Didn't change the noise (but wheel turns well.) Passenger side
>>>> bearing appears to be fine.
>>>>
>>>> 3) Rotated tires. No change.
>>>>
>>>> I'm running out of ideas. The CV joins all look ok - no breakage and
>>>> no clicking during turns.
>>>>
>>>> I've only recently obtained this car so I don't know its history - I
>>>> don't know if the sound is normal road noise, is typical of the tire
>>>> (Michelin) manufacturer, or perhaps a binding caliper...
>>>>
>>>> Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!
>>>
>>>Call in to NPR's "Car Talk". ;-)
>>>
>>>Cathy
>>>[/color]
>> Call into Ray O....
>>
>> You want someone that knows what he is doing....not NPR![/color]
>
> What?! Not a "Car Talk" fan?!? Somehow I cna't quite see you listening to
> or enjoyuing "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!" (which I, OTOH, love!), but "Car
> Talk"???
>
> Cathy[/color]

I like WWDTM, but haven't listened to it for a while.

Same with Car Talk.
I met Tommy and Ray some time ago when I used to live out near Boston.
They are hilarious.

And their office has a window with gold leaf lettering that says, "Dewey,
Cheetham and Howe".



[color=blue]
>
>
> Cathy
>
>[color=green]
>>
>> --
>>
>> Scott in Florida
>>[/color][/color]

"SlyckTom" <tom@slyck.com> wrote in message
news:5e5eh2dkva8fer70ignd9pqvmcen3p4oju@4ax.com...[color=blue]
>I have a 93 Toyota Corolla DX, Auto transmission, 202,000 miles.
>
> There appears to be a humming noise coming from the front end. It
> sounds like a low frequency helicopter blade spinning about - like a
> 'whomp whomp whomp" sound. If you listen closely, it occurs at all
> speeds. It seems to be directly related to the sound of normal
> braking, and you can feel it ever so slightly in the steering wheel.
>
> The frequency of the sound increases with road speed, and becomes most
> pronounced at 40 - 45 mph...
>
> What I've done to trouble shoot:
>
> 1) A slide pin on the driver's side brake caliper was frozen. Caused
> brake pad rubbing - replaced pin and relubed the pins. Thought for
> sure that was it - however it wasn't.
>
> 2) Replaced driver side wheel bearing - as that wheel didn't spin very
> well. Didn't change the noise (but wheel turns well.) Passenger side
> bearing appears to be fine.
>
> 3) Rotated tires. No change.
>
> I'm running out of ideas. The CV joins all look ok - no breakage and
> no clicking during turns.
>
> I've only recently obtained this car so I don't know its history - I
> don't know if the sound is normal road noise, is typical of the tire
> (Michelin) manufacturer, or perhaps a binding caliper...
>
> Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!
>
> TIA
>
> Tom
>[/color]

The cause of noises is very difficult to diagnose without hearing the noise.

"Rotational" noises can come from several causes: Sticking caliper slide (I
don't think you freed the slide properly); wheel bearings; tire problem like
a broken belt; brake backing plate touching the rotor; CV joints;
differential bearings; and engine noises.

The caliper bolt (pin) passes through a sleeve in the caliper body. If you
look at the sleeve, there are rubber boots on the inboard and outboard sides
of the caliper between the sleeve and the cast caliper body. You should be
able to push the sleeves in and out of the caliper body, stretching the
boots. The bolt should slide in and out of the sleeves, and the sleeves
should slide in and out of the caliper body. If the sleeves are frozen,
carefully peel back the boots, remove the sleeves (1 sleeve for each
bolt/pin), clean up the OD of the sleeves, and lube with either caliper
grease, wheel bearing grease, or anti-seize.

While you're at it, make sure there are 2 flat metal shims between the back
of the pads and the caliper piston, make sure the anti-rattle clips and/or
springs are place, and make sure the square keys at the ends of the pads are
not loose in the keyway in the caliper bracket. Aftermarket pads sometimes
fit loosely can cause noise, which is why I always recommend OEM pads.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

"Scott in Florida" <askifyouwant@mindspring.net> wrote in message
news:8s8eh2h78klqn8oqunoddqjk6bsct81b9r@4ax.com...[color=blue]
> On Sun, 24 Sep 2006 20:11:48 -0400, "Cathy F." <clfr@adelphiadot.net>
> wrote:
>[color=green]
>>
>>"SlyckTom" <tom@slyck.com> wrote in message
>>news:5e5eh2dkva8fer70ignd9pqvmcen3p4oju@4ax.com...[color=darkred]
>>>I have a 93 Toyota Corolla DX, Auto transmission, 202,000 miles.
>>>
>>> There appears to be a humming noise coming from the front end. It
>>> sounds like a low frequency helicopter blade spinning about - like a
>>> 'whomp whomp whomp" sound. If you listen closely, it occurs at all
>>> speeds. It seems to be directly related to the sound of normal
>>> braking, and you can feel it ever so slightly in the steering wheel.
>>>
>>> The frequency of the sound increases with road speed, and becomes most
>>> pronounced at 40 - 45 mph...
>>>
>>> What I've done to trouble shoot:
>>>
>>> 1) A slide pin on the driver's side brake caliper was frozen. Caused
>>> brake pad rubbing - replaced pin and relubed the pins. Thought for
>>> sure that was it - however it wasn't.
>>>
>>> 2) Replaced driver side wheel bearing - as that wheel didn't spin very
>>> well. Didn't change the noise (but wheel turns well.) Passenger side
>>> bearing appears to be fine.
>>>
>>> 3) Rotated tires. No change.
>>>
>>> I'm running out of ideas. The CV joins all look ok - no breakage and
>>> no clicking during turns.
>>>
>>> I've only recently obtained this car so I don't know its history - I
>>> don't know if the sound is normal road noise, is typical of the tire
>>> (Michelin) manufacturer, or perhaps a binding caliper...
>>>
>>> Any suggestions are greatly appreciated![/color]
>>
>>Call in to NPR's "Car Talk". ;-)
>>
>>Cathy
>>[/color]
> Call into Ray O....
>
> You want someone that knows what he is doing....not NPR!
>
> --
>
> Scott in Florida
>[/color]

Thanks for the vote of confidence!
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

"Cathy F." <clfr@adelphiadot.net> wrote in message
news:FKidnYNv6NpaoIrYnZ2dnUVZ_oadnZ2d@giganews.com...[color=blue]
>
> "Scott in Florida" <askifyouwant@mindspring.net> wrote in message
> news:8s8eh2h78klqn8oqunoddqjk6bsct81b9r@4ax.com...[color=green]
>> On Sun, 24 Sep 2006 20:11:48 -0400, "Cathy F." <clfr@adelphiadot.net>
>> wrote:
>>[color=darkred]
>>>
>>>"SlyckTom" <tom@slyck.com> wrote in message
>>>news:5e5eh2dkva8fer70ignd9pqvmcen3p4oju@4ax.com...
>>>>I have a 93 Toyota Corolla DX, Auto transmission, 202,000 miles.
>>>>
>>>> There appears to be a humming noise coming from the front end. It
>>>> sounds like a low frequency helicopter blade spinning about - like a
>>>> 'whomp whomp whomp" sound. If you listen closely, it occurs at all
>>>> speeds. It seems to be directly related to the sound of normal
>>>> braking, and you can feel it ever so slightly in the steering wheel.
>>>>
>>>> The frequency of the sound increases with road speed, and becomes most
>>>> pronounced at 40 - 45 mph...
>>>>
>>>> What I've done to trouble shoot:
>>>>
>>>> 1) A slide pin on the driver's side brake caliper was frozen. Caused
>>>> brake pad rubbing - replaced pin and relubed the pins. Thought for
>>>> sure that was it - however it wasn't.
>>>>
>>>> 2) Replaced driver side wheel bearing - as that wheel didn't spin very
>>>> well. Didn't change the noise (but wheel turns well.) Passenger side
>>>> bearing appears to be fine.
>>>>
>>>> 3) Rotated tires. No change.
>>>>
>>>> I'm running out of ideas. The CV joins all look ok - no breakage and
>>>> no clicking during turns.
>>>>
>>>> I've only recently obtained this car so I don't know its history - I
>>>> don't know if the sound is normal road noise, is typical of the tire
>>>> (Michelin) manufacturer, or perhaps a binding caliper...
>>>>
>>>> Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!
>>>
>>>Call in to NPR's "Car Talk". ;-)
>>>
>>>Cathy
>>>[/color]
>> Call into Ray O....
>>
>> You want someone that knows what he is doing....not NPR![/color]
>
> What?! Not a "Car Talk" fan?!? Somehow I cna't quite see you listening
> to or enjoyuing "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!" (which I, OTOH, love!), but
> "Car Talk"???
>
> Cathy
>
>
> Cathy
>[/color]

I listened to that show when my boss was a guest on the show. A few minutes
listening to these guys did not impress me with their automotive technical
knowledge. They are OK with the stuff that one would learn in high school
automotive shop class, but my boss and I were not impressed with their
knowledge beyond that.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

You mean like when they told the guy, with the RWD Ford van, that the noise
in the front end was likely a bad CV joint? ;)


mike hunt


"Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
news:4a460$45174837$180ffe52$12227@msgid.meganewsservers.com...[color=blue]
>
> "Cathy F." <clfr@adelphiadot.net> wrote in message
> news:FKidnYNv6NpaoIrYnZ2dnUVZ_oadnZ2d@giganews.com...[color=green]
>>
>> "Scott in Florida" <askifyouwant@mindspring.net> wrote in message
>> news:8s8eh2h78klqn8oqunoddqjk6bsct81b9r@4ax.com...[color=darkred]
>>> On Sun, 24 Sep 2006 20:11:48 -0400, "Cathy F." <clfr@adelphiadot.net>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>>"SlyckTom" <tom@slyck.com> wrote in message
>>>>news:5e5eh2dkva8fer70ignd9pqvmcen3p4oju@4ax.com...
>>>>>I have a 93 Toyota Corolla DX, Auto transmission, 202,000 miles.
>>>>>
>>>>> There appears to be a humming noise coming from the front end. It
>>>>> sounds like a low frequency helicopter blade spinning about - like a
>>>>> 'whomp whomp whomp" sound. If you listen closely, it occurs at all
>>>>> speeds. It seems to be directly related to the sound of normal
>>>>> braking, and you can feel it ever so slightly in the steering wheel.
>>>>>
>>>>> The frequency of the sound increases with road speed, and becomes most
>>>>> pronounced at 40 - 45 mph...
>>>>>
>>>>> What I've done to trouble shoot:
>>>>>
>>>>> 1) A slide pin on the driver's side brake caliper was frozen. Caused
>>>>> brake pad rubbing - replaced pin and relubed the pins. Thought for
>>>>> sure that was it - however it wasn't.
>>>>>
>>>>> 2) Replaced driver side wheel bearing - as that wheel didn't spin very
>>>>> well. Didn't change the noise (but wheel turns well.) Passenger side
>>>>> bearing appears to be fine.
>>>>>
>>>>> 3) Rotated tires. No change.
>>>>>
>>>>> I'm running out of ideas. The CV joins all look ok - no breakage and
>>>>> no clicking during turns.
>>>>>
>>>>> I've only recently obtained this car so I don't know its history - I
>>>>> don't know if the sound is normal road noise, is typical of the tire
>>>>> (Michelin) manufacturer, or perhaps a binding caliper...
>>>>>
>>>>> Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!
>>>>
>>>>Call in to NPR's "Car Talk". ;-)
>>>>
>>>>Cathy
>>>>
>>> Call into Ray O....
>>>
>>> You want someone that knows what he is doing....not NPR![/color]
>>
>> What?! Not a "Car Talk" fan?!? Somehow I cna't quite see you listening
>> to or enjoyuing "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!" (which I, OTOH, love!), but
>> "Car Talk"???
>>
>> Cathy
>>
>>
>> Cathy
>>[/color]
>
> I listened to that show when my boss was a guest on the show. A few
> minutes listening to these guys did not impress me with their automotive
> technical knowledge. They are OK with the stuff that one would learn in
> high school automotive shop class, but my boss and I were not impressed
> with their knowledge beyond that.
> --
>
> Ray O
> (correct punctuation to reply)
>[/color]

"Mike Hunter" <mikehunt2@mailcity.com> wrote in message
news:qwudnYtSoocjborYUSdV9g@ptd.net...[color=blue]
> You mean like when they told the guy, with the RWD Ford van, that the
> noise in the front end was likely a bad CV joint? ;)
>
>
> mike hunt[/color]

You got it!
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)
[color=blue]
>
>
> "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
> news:4a460$45174837$180ffe52$12227@msgid.meganewsservers.com...[color=green]
>>
>> "Cathy F." <clfr@adelphiadot.net> wrote in message
>> news:FKidnYNv6NpaoIrYnZ2dnUVZ_oadnZ2d@giganews.com...[color=darkred]
>>>
>>> "Scott in Florida" <askifyouwant@mindspring.net> wrote in message
>>> news:8s8eh2h78klqn8oqunoddqjk6bsct81b9r@4ax.com...
>>>> On Sun, 24 Sep 2006 20:11:48 -0400, "Cathy F." <clfr@adelphiadot.net>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>"SlyckTom" <tom@slyck.com> wrote in message
>>>>>news:5e5eh2dkva8fer70ignd9pqvmcen3p4oju@4ax.com...
>>>>>>I have a 93 Toyota Corolla DX, Auto transmission, 202,000 miles.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> There appears to be a humming noise coming from the front end. It
>>>>>> sounds like a low frequency helicopter blade spinning about - like a
>>>>>> 'whomp whomp whomp" sound. If you listen closely, it occurs at all
>>>>>> speeds. It seems to be directly related to the sound of normal
>>>>>> braking, and you can feel it ever so slightly in the steering wheel.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The frequency of the sound increases with road speed, and becomes
>>>>>> most
>>>>>> pronounced at 40 - 45 mph...
>>>>>>
>>>>>> What I've done to trouble shoot:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 1) A slide pin on the driver's side brake caliper was frozen. Caused
>>>>>> brake pad rubbing - replaced pin and relubed the pins. Thought for
>>>>>> sure that was it - however it wasn't.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 2) Replaced driver side wheel bearing - as that wheel didn't spin
>>>>>> very
>>>>>> well. Didn't change the noise (but wheel turns well.) Passenger
>>>>>> side
>>>>>> bearing appears to be fine.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 3) Rotated tires. No change.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I'm running out of ideas. The CV joins all look ok - no breakage and
>>>>>> no clicking during turns.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I've only recently obtained this car so I don't know its history - I
>>>>>> don't know if the sound is normal road noise, is typical of the tire
>>>>>> (Michelin) manufacturer, or perhaps a binding caliper...
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!
>>>>>
>>>>>Call in to NPR's "Car Talk". ;-)
>>>>>
>>>>>Cathy
>>>>>
>>>> Call into Ray O....
>>>>
>>>> You want someone that knows what he is doing....not NPR!
>>>
>>> What?! Not a "Car Talk" fan?!? Somehow I cna't quite see you listening
>>> to or enjoyuing "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!" (which I, OTOH, love!), but
>>> "Car Talk"???
>>>
>>> Cathy
>>>
>>>
>>> Cathy
>>>[/color]
>>
>> I listened to that show when my boss was a guest on the show. A few
>> minutes listening to these guys did not impress me with their automotive
>> technical knowledge. They are OK with the stuff that one would learn in
>> high school automotive shop class, but my boss and I were not impressed
>> with their knowledge beyond that.
>> --
>>
>> Ray O
>> (correct punctuation to reply)
>>[/color]
>
>[/color]

>"Rotational" noises can come from several causes: Sticking caliper slide (I[color=blue]
>don't think you freed the slide properly); wheel bearings; tire problem like
>a broken belt; brake backing plate touching the rotor; CV joints;
>differential bearings; and engine noises.[/color]

The slide was freed properly. It had frozen in the bore, and I
extracted it with considerable effort. One it was out, I threw it in
the trash and purchased a replacement slide and bolt. I also replaced
the dust boots, cleaned out the slide holes,and greased them with
wheel bearing grease. They now slide properly as you describe and no
longer drag on the disc.

All the tires are fairly new, and I've inspected them for belt
breakage - none is apparent. I also feel the problem would have been
isolated rom rotating the tires.
[color=blue]
>While you're at it, make sure there are 2 flat metal shims between the back
>of the pads and the caliper piston, make sure the anti-rattle clips and/or
>springs are place, and make sure the square keys at the ends of the pads are
>not loose in the keyway in the caliper bracket. Aftermarket pads sometimes
>fit loosely can cause noise, which is why I always recommend OEM pads.[/color]

Granted I have replaced the pads with no-OEM pads (hence no
anti-rattle clips, etc) the rotational noise existed before I replaced
them...so unfortunately that is not the problem.

That leaves us with:

wheel bearings, CV joints; differential bearings; and engine noises.

I can eliminate the engine since it does it whether the engine is
running or not. This also probably eliminates the differential since
that is just a wildly unlikely senario in these vehicles.

So what I'm left with is either:

A binding caliper (worth looking into, but unlikely) CV joints (very
possible, but there's no clicking during turns and the boots are in
good shape), and finally, the passenger side wheel bearing.

I've done some research into the wheel bearing possibility, and that
seems to be the most likely of senarios. But even this I am hesitant
about since the wheel turns fine when its jacked up, and there's no
free play. But from what I've read, this doesnt guarentee a bearing
is in good condition.

Anyway, my next move is to replace the bearing and we'll see from
there.

Thanks again,

Tom




On Sun, 24 Sep 2006 22:01:43 -0500, "Ray O"
<rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:
[color=blue]
>
>"SlyckTom" <tom@slyck.com> wrote in message
>news:5e5eh2dkva8fer70ignd9pqvmcen3p4oju@4ax.com...[color=green]
>>I have a 93 Toyota Corolla DX, Auto transmission, 202,000 miles.
>>
>> There appears to be a humming noise coming from the front end. It
>> sounds like a low frequency helicopter blade spinning about - like a
>> 'whomp whomp whomp" sound. If you listen closely, it occurs at all
>> speeds. It seems to be directly related to the sound of normal
>> braking, and you can feel it ever so slightly in the steering wheel.
>>
>> The frequency of the sound increases with road speed, and becomes most
>> pronounced at 40 - 45 mph...
>>
>> What I've done to trouble shoot:
>>
>> 1) A slide pin on the driver's side brake caliper was frozen. Caused
>> brake pad rubbing - replaced pin and relubed the pins. Thought for
>> sure that was it - however it wasn't.
>>
>> 2) Replaced driver side wheel bearing - as that wheel didn't spin very
>> well. Didn't change the noise (but wheel turns well.) Passenger side
>> bearing appears to be fine.
>>
>> 3) Rotated tires. No change.
>>
>> I'm running out of ideas. The CV joins all look ok - no breakage and
>> no clicking during turns.
>>
>> I've only recently obtained this car so I don't know its history - I
>> don't know if the sound is normal road noise, is typical of the tire
>> (Michelin) manufacturer, or perhaps a binding caliper...
>>
>> Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!
>>
>> TIA
>>
>> Tom
>>[/color]
>
>The cause of noises is very difficult to diagnose without hearing the noise.
>
>"Rotational" noises can come from several causes: Sticking caliper slide (I
>don't think you freed the slide properly); wheel bearings; tire problem like
>a broken belt; brake backing plate touching the rotor; CV joints;
>differential bearings; and engine noises.
>
>The caliper bolt (pin) passes through a sleeve in the caliper body. If you
>look at the sleeve, there are rubber boots on the inboard and outboard sides
>of the caliper between the sleeve and the cast caliper body. You should be
>able to push the sleeves in and out of the caliper body, stretching the
>boots. The bolt should slide in and out of the sleeves, and the sleeves
>should slide in and out of the caliper body. If the sleeves are frozen,
>carefully peel back the boots, remove the sleeves (1 sleeve for each
>bolt/pin), clean up the OD of the sleeves, and lube with either caliper
>grease, wheel bearing grease, or anti-seize.
>
>While you're at it, make sure there are 2 flat metal shims between the back
>of the pads and the caliper piston, make sure the anti-rattle clips and/or
>springs are place, and make sure the square keys at the ends of the pads are
>not loose in the keyway in the caliper bracket. Aftermarket pads sometimes
>fit loosely can cause noise, which is why I always recommend OEM pads.[/color]

"SlyckTom" <tom@slyck.com> wrote in message
news:f47gh29mf44mk1il1thhgi9msdiqdoekrs@4ax.com...[color=blue][color=green]
> >"Rotational" noises can come from several causes: Sticking caliper slide
> >(I
>>don't think you freed the slide properly); wheel bearings; tire problem
>>like
>>a broken belt; brake backing plate touching the rotor; CV joints;
>>differential bearings; and engine noises.[/color]
>
> The slide was freed properly. It had frozen in the bore, and I
> extracted it with considerable effort. One it was out, I threw it in
> the trash and purchased a replacement slide and bolt. I also replaced
> the dust boots, cleaned out the slide holes,and greased them with
> wheel bearing grease. They now slide properly as you describe and no
> longer drag on the disc.[/color]

Yes, this is the proper method! (From your original description, I thought
you just replaced the bolts.)
[color=blue]
>
> All the tires are fairly new, and I've inspected them for belt
> breakage - none is apparent. I also feel the problem would have been
> isolated rom rotating the tires.[/color]

I agree.
[color=blue]
>[color=green]
>>While you're at it, make sure there are 2 flat metal shims between the
>>back
>>of the pads and the caliper piston, make sure the anti-rattle clips and/or
>>springs are place, and make sure the square keys at the ends of the pads
>>are
>>not loose in the keyway in the caliper bracket. Aftermarket pads
>>sometimes
>>fit loosely can cause noise, which is why I always recommend OEM pads.[/color]
>
> Granted I have replaced the pads with no-OEM pads (hence no
> anti-rattle clips, etc) the rotational noise existed before I replaced
> them...so unfortunately that is not the problem.
>
> That leaves us with:
>
> wheel bearings, CV joints; differential bearings; and engine noises.
>
> I can eliminate the engine since it does it whether the engine is
> running or not. This also probably eliminates the differential since
> that is just a wildly unlikely senario in these vehicles.
>
> So what I'm left with is either:
>
> A binding caliper (worth looking into, but unlikely) CV joints (very
> possible, but there's no clicking during turns and the boots are in
> good shape), and finally, the passenger side wheel bearing.
>
> I've done some research into the wheel bearing possibility, and that
> seems to be the most likely of senarios. But even this I am hesitant
> about since the wheel turns fine when its jacked up, and there's no
> free play. But from what I've read, this doesnt guarentee a bearing
> is in good condition.
>
> Anyway, my next move is to replace the bearing and we'll see from
> there.
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Tom[/color]

Your logic in analyzing the source of the noise is very good.
I have seen wheel bearings make noise even though there is no free play.
Good luck!
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)