When do you replace the Birfields?

[mudgudgeon]

i know it's impossible to answer definitively without being present, but i've got a noise... thought it might be birfields, after reading thread, not sure. it's not a clicking and it's not entirely turning related. noticed a vibe while following the curve of the road. turned down stereo. hearing a gentle tapping sound, increase tempo with speed. seems to be getting worse. keeping the stereo turned off for now.

any suggestions for cause? perhaps birfields tap before they click , and not always only in tight turns?

tia,
david

based on your extremely detailed description, could be
- worn birfs
- lack of grease in the knuckle housings
- loose wheel bearings
- worn wheel bearings
- dry brass bush inside the spindle
- tire wear or balance issue
- volume knob on the stereo set too low

Costs nothing to check wheel bearings and takes very little time.
Same with inspecting tires. (Try doing a tire rotation, front to back)

Checking birfs or brass spindle bush is a bit more involved. You're basically doing all the cleaning and disassembly you'd have to do for a birf replacement.

 

[MUDZLLA]

- volume knob on the stereo set too low

That.

 

[Outsane]

Might also be your driveshaft, see if there is play

 

[ghostofamerica]

based on your extremely detailed description, could be
- worn birfs
- lack of grease in the knuckle housings
- loose wheel bearings
- worn wheel bearings
- dry brass bush inside the spindle
- tire wear or balance issue
- volume knob on the stereo set too low

Costs nothing to check wheel bearings and takes very little time.
Same with inspecting tires. (Try doing a tire rotation, front to back)

Checking birfs or brass spindle bush is a bit more involved. You're basically doing all the cleaning and disassembly you'd have to do for a birf replacement.

Thanks mudgudgeon, just posted in more detail, new post. It's louder in reverse and when rolling forward downhill in 4WD low. Will check WB.

 

[ghostofamerica]

Might also be your driveshaft, see if there is play

Thanks Outsane, will check