Topic: Rear Wheel Grinding
in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
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Former Member
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Fallon, NV - USA
Joined: 7/25/2007
Posts: 43
Vette(s): 1978 Coupe, Red w/black leather interior, L48, Auto, A/C, Power Windows, Cruise, Tilt/Tele.
I have repaired several items on my 78 with info gleened here in the very short time I've been a member. Thank you all, this is a fabulous site full of great info and super folks.
I have a grinding noise that seems like the brakes are not releasing on the left rear. For background, I've installed SS braided brake flex lines and since my first take on the problem was a dragging brake a mechanic has checked the caliper and all associated hardware and says it's good.
Once while trying to figure this out, I pulled the e-brake on at about 20mph and the sound was exactly what I'm talking about here. So, thinking it possible the e-brake was dragging, the shoes have been backed off and the cable adjustment loosened to the point it won't hold on a small grade. Still have the problem.
Further road testing today reveals that if braking in a straight line and then leaving in a straight line the grinding is generally not present.
However, if braking on a turn (and coming to a stop) it grinds when starting out until reaching about 10 mph or more. If braking in a staight line, then turning either direction once moving, the grinding returns.
I must say that highway driving is smooth as silk and no noise what so ever.
Road testing reveals that going slow and whipping the wheel from side to side, there is a slight squeking up until about 10mph. If coming to a stop and then whipping the wheel when starting out there is a grinding until about 10mph.
This is driving me nuts! Of course the easy fix is not to slow down below 10mph (why does a corvette need brakes anyway?) Kidding!
I'm thinking a rebuilt trailing arm assembly may be in my immediate future but wanted you guys take on it.
Sorry for such a long post but you guys are great and I want to give you all the info I can.
Regards,
Ernie
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What type of pads are you running? Have you had your half shaft u-joints checked/replaced lately? Does it pull one side or the other when braking and the noise is heard (have to let go of the wheel perhaps to notice)?
Former Member
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Fallon, NV - USA
Joined: 7/25/2007
Posts: 43
Vette(s): 1978 Coupe, Red w/black leather interior, L48, Auto, A/C, Power Windows, Cruise, Tilt/Tele.
Don't know what type pads they are since I've only had the car about a month. Halfshaft Ujoints were just replaced about 800 miles ago. It doesn't pull at all free wheeling, under power or stopping.
You might be hearing the limited slip differential. As one wheel turns faster in a turn the discs in the rear end will sound off, but if you add a bottle of conditioner for limited slips the noise will disappear.
Former Member
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Fallon, NV - USA
Joined: 7/25/2007
Posts: 43
Vette(s): 1978 Coupe, Red w/black leather interior, L48, Auto, A/C, Power Windows, Cruise, Tilt/Tele.
Hmmm, I'll try that and see what happens. At this point, I'm open to all suggestions.
As my friend at work says: "It's not a car, it's a corvette."
Didn't understand that at first but fully understand now.

Former Member
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Fallon, NV - USA
Joined: 7/25/2007
Posts: 43
Vette(s): 1978 Coupe, Red w/black leather interior, L48, Auto, A/C, Power Windows, Cruise, Tilt/Tele.
When the grinding sound is present, you can actually feel the binding in the seat of the pants. Would the lack of posi fluid do that?
Former Member
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Fallon, NV - USA
Joined: 7/25/2007
Posts: 43
Vette(s): 1978 Coupe, Red w/black leather interior, L48, Auto, A/C, Power Windows, Cruise, Tilt/Tele.
I forgot to mention the grinding/binding doesn't occur until the car is good and warmed up after driving a few miles.
Ernie
Former Member
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Spotsylvania, VA - USA
Joined: 1/20/2007
Posts: 293
Vette(s): 1977 Silver Coupe
Sounds like posi to me
in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
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