Don;
Grease is inserted into the rear bearings through zerk fittings in the
trunion casting. The clicking could be from universal joints, which are prone
to failure at about a one per year rate on a Spitfire used as a daily driver.
(Typically you replace all four in about four years.) The rear bearings can
cause the clicks and the inner bearings are a b*tch to work on. Another
possibility is early indications of differential wear. I'm in the process of
replacing the diff in my 1980 Spit which died after about six weeks of noise
which grew from clicks to moan to scream to grind over that time. Put the car on
jack stands and get underneath and turn the drive train components by hand and
listen for the location of any unusual sound. Often the source of the will
reveal itself by this method.
regards, John Pratchios '80 Spitfire daily driver until last Sunday
jpratchi@harris.com
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Date: Fri, 8 Mar 96 14:49:51 EST
From: Don Haw <don@buster.ngs.noaa.gov>
Subject: '76 Spit - noise in rear
Greetings:
I have been lurking for weeks and I am getting an urge to tackle the troubles
with my 1976 Spitfire 1500. I am very envious of all you who know how to
completely rebuild a car and I am envious of you who know which end of a screw
driver to use (sharp end, right?).
I got my first LBC in 1981 ('78 Spit) and when something broke on it I would
take it to the shop and I would say, "It doesn't run, maybe the air is low."
Then I would proceed to take out my Visa card and begin owing on it for months.
I got rid of the 78 when I ran out of money. I have since picked up a 76 from
my brother(original owner). He just got bored w/ it (how can that be).
I would like to get into fixing my 76 Spit. I want to know all about this car.
Not just for me, but for my 2 sons (3.5 and 1.5). So here's the problem....
There is a clicking noise in the back. When I push the clutch in and coast
I hear "click.click.click...." Is this noise the wheel beerings? If so,
do I slop grease back there (If I can get the wheel off). Should I inspect
the axle for wear?" Should I drive it until I hear someone shout, "Hey buddy
it looks as if your wheels are going to bend in!" That has happened before.
Any help would be appreciated. You can e-mail me direct if you wish. Thanks
Don Haw
'76 Spit
University Park, Maryland, USA
- --
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- --- Don Haw * National Geodetic Survey * NOAA, NOS, NGS ---
- --- email: don@ngs.noaa.gov (Internet) ---
- --- Tel: (301) 713-3208 *** FAX: (301) 713-4322 ---
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