A New Squeek

[sam]

Hi,
It seems to happen when almost stopped, not necesserally using brakes, seem to be consistant with the wheels turning.
Doesnt happen all the time though, is this just a typical elise noise now or something a bit more?

[Mikie711]

Where from, front, rear, left or right high up figuratively speaking or low down in other words more info required

[sam]

I reckon its coming from the wheels, suspect its left front, like I said it squeeks with the rotation of the wheels or at least that is what it sounds like.
I inspected them when I parked up and the left front disc has a line of rust on it where the disc is not making contact I presume, would this be related?

[Mikie711]

Might be that, I would jack up one side at a time and give the front wheels a spin, see if you can recreate the noise, also chance to check front wheel bearing play. Could also be dry suspension/ARB bushes.

[robin]

I would bet on the ARB too. The wheel squeaking could be the brake pads not quite retracting from the disk, but you could "test" this by pressing the brake pedal lightly with the left foot whilst using the accelerator gently to maintain a constant speed (i.e. speed where it squeaks). Apart from the brake pads there isn't much else to make a noise like that on the wheel itself (the bearing won't squeak).

Cheers,
Robin

[Mikie711]

You're right Robin the bearings won't squeak but if they are worn the large washer behind the hub might be rubbing against the hub if loaded a certain way. But like you I would suspect ARB bushes being dry.

[sam]

Can anyone post a pic of where these Arb bushes are, and is it easy to relub them etc

[Mikie711]

They are the two bushes under the front of the car. you can't see them till you remove the front under tray section. Then they will be obvious. I am assuming that the S2 is the same as the S1 somebody should be along that can confirm or deny that.

Mike

[robin]

Yes, S2 ARB bushes in same place. Early S1s have different bolts/dimensions IIRC, but basically the same design.

Lubricating them is tough. They are nylon bushes and you tend to get moisture trapped between bush and bar which then rusts. You could replace the bushes while it's in bits. PTFE tape can help repack the bar to have a better fit with the bush. Dry lubricants that are compatible with nylon will also work, but avoid greasy stuff 'cos it will capture grit and form a grinding paste eventually.

Cheers,
robin