Been experiencing a very random loud grinding that feels and sounds like it's coming from the front right. Almost positive on the location. Had some brake work done to be sure that wasn't the problem, but it continued. When I say random, I might drive the car for 2 weeks and not hear it once, and then it'll happen twice on a 1 mile trip to the store. Usually it lasts between 3-5 seconds, and I can accelerate out of it. Almost always happens between 15-30 mph. The last 2 times it happened it was followed by a "click" sound, approx 1 click per tire rotation for about 10 seconds. Probably wouldn't have even noticed the clicking unless I had the window down. The click is not loud.
I suspected a wheel bearing, but when I found this youtube video (via mud) I was convinced I had a spindle bushing failure. This sounds exactly like what I get in my 80. (sound at ~23 sec mark):
Today I got inside the passenger side front knuckle and things got strange the second I took off the axle flange. Both the lock nut and adjusting nut were beat to hell. I had to hit them with brass drift just to be able to fit the 54mm socket over them. I expected to find some large metal shavings but didn't. Do we think this damage could be the source of the grinding? I'm starting to think no, and that the damage might have been from someone who tried to take these both out previously without a 54mm socket. Maybe they whacked them with a hammer and screwdriver or something? Not sure what's going on. Anyways, I've ordered some replacements as I didn't expect to need to replace those.
I've also included pictures of the spindle bushing, which looks to be in ok shape to me, but I'm no expert. I was planning to replace the spindle bushing, wheel bearing, and repack the knuckle with grease and hope that solves the problem. Anyways, I've included pics of the nuts and spindle in case anyone else has any ideas. Thanks!
I suspected a wheel bearing, but when I found this youtube video (via mud) I was convinced I had a spindle bushing failure. This sounds exactly like what I get in my 80. (sound at ~23 sec mark):
Today I got inside the passenger side front knuckle and things got strange the second I took off the axle flange. Both the lock nut and adjusting nut were beat to hell. I had to hit them with brass drift just to be able to fit the 54mm socket over them. I expected to find some large metal shavings but didn't. Do we think this damage could be the source of the grinding? I'm starting to think no, and that the damage might have been from someone who tried to take these both out previously without a 54mm socket. Maybe they whacked them with a hammer and screwdriver or something? Not sure what's going on. Anyways, I've ordered some replacements as I didn't expect to need to replace those.
I've also included pictures of the spindle bushing, which looks to be in ok shape to me, but I'm no expert. I was planning to replace the spindle bushing, wheel bearing, and repack the knuckle with grease and hope that solves the problem. Anyways, I've included pics of the nuts and spindle in case anyone else has any ideas. Thanks!