Dreaded Drone

bambam · 16th December 2015, 18:25

Hi there All,

Fairly certain about this - but i would like to just make sure my thinking is correct.

Issue 1 - Droning noise.

Starts at ~35 MPH
Increases with speed (to the point where is is hard to distinguish from road/tire noise ~70mph)
Noisiest ~45mph
Seems to come from the rear mostly (left particularly)
Have had both rear discs/drums off (in bad shape) and handbrake seems to be working correctly, as do the main calipers
Ground down the discs/drums, blown out all the Cr*p from the inside - has made no real difference
Does seem to lessen if i turn right at speed (~50-60mph)

Is it a wheel bearing?

Issue 2 - Handbrake

While trying to ascertain the source of the drone - i gently applied handbrake while coasting - to try and scrub the drums a bit (as i used to do in similar situation with my other cars) - being honest - i heard it engage, heard a typical brake squeal (which has been happening for a while now) followed by a clunk, and now the handbrake goes up far further, with less effect.

This, i am fairly certain is a stretched compensator.

Issue 3 - Clunk when going over a bump with wheels turned

CV joint or front drop links?

It's about time i gave the old girl some TLC so was planning full discs & pads all round, drop links, compensator, & if required CV joints

Am i missing something obvious?

Heddy · 16th December 2015, 18:33

1) sounds like drivers side wheel bearing, probably front
2) check 'hold down' springs on shoes
3) rear control arm bushes
Not all complete guesses but see what others think, certainly don't replace things willy nilly.

Number 6 · 16th December 2015, 18:43

I would suggest the off side rear wheel bearing..for the droning sound.

Possible drop links or rear wishbone bushes for the Knock.

Hand brake could be retaining springs that hold the shoes to the back plate although you will get a clunk as the shoes do rotate a small amount as they come on when the H/B is applied.This is more noticeable when parking on a hill

bambam · 16th December 2015, 19:21

@Heddy
1) Thats the opposite corner to where the noise seems loudest? (rear nearside)
2) Thanks - will remember to check them
3) Forgot to add to OP - the noise is clearly coming from Drivers side front

@ Number 6
off-side? - I should have used off side/near side instead of left right - noise seems to come from Near side rear - when turning right, noise lessens

See point 3 above - noise is clearly front offside

seems like these retaining springs are a common theme...

One thing to add to this post overall is that since i have had the car whenever i pull the handbrake on - it will always rock/roll (either back or forwards depending on the slope) roughly 3 inches on the road, and then be totally solid

16th December 2015, 18:25	#1
bambam Newbie MG ZT-T Join Date: May 2014 Location: Guildford Posts: 9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Dreaded Drone Hi there All, Fairly certain about this - but i would like to just make sure my thinking is correct. Issue 1 - Droning noise. Starts at ~35 MPH Increases with speed (to the point where is is hard to distinguish from road/tire noise ~70mph) Noisiest ~45mph Seems to come from the rear mostly (left particularly) Have had both rear discs/drums off (in bad shape) and handbrake seems to be working correctly, as do the main calipers Ground down the discs/drums, blown out all the Cr*p from the inside - has made no real difference Does seem to lessen if i turn right at speed (~50-60mph) Is it a wheel bearing? Issue 2 - Handbrake While trying to ascertain the source of the drone - i gently applied handbrake while coasting - to try and scrub the drums a bit (as i used to do in similar situation with my other cars) - being honest - i heard it engage, heard a typical brake squeal (which has been happening for a while now) followed by a clunk, and now the handbrake goes up far further, with less effect. This, i am fairly certain is a stretched compensator. Issue 3 - Clunk when going over a bump with wheels turned CV joint or front drop links? It's about time i gave the old girl some TLC so was planning full discs & pads all round, drop links, compensator, & if required CV joints Am i missing something obvious?

16th December 2015, 18:33	#2
Heddy This is my second home None Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: None Posts: 5,556 Thanks: 465 Thanked 1,161 Times in 924 Posts	1) sounds like drivers side wheel bearing, probably front 2) check 'hold down' springs on shoes 3) rear control arm bushes Not all complete guesses but see what others think, certainly don't replace things willy nilly. Last edited by Heddy; 16th December 2015 at 18:44..

16th December 2015, 18:43	#3
Number 6 This is my second home Rover 75 tourer Club CD/Limo Tints Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Meneac Posts: 6,759 Thanks: 5,007 Thanked 1,609 Times in 869 Posts	I would suggest the off side rear wheel bearing..for the droning sound. Possible drop links or rear wishbone bushes for the Knock. Hand brake could be retaining springs that hold the shoes to the back plate although you will get a clunk as the shoes do rotate a small amount as they come on when the H/B is applied.This is more noticeable when parking on a hill __________________ ] "I started out with nothing, and Ive still got most of it left!"

16th December 2015, 19:21	#4
bambam Newbie MG ZT-T Join Date: May 2014 Location: Guildford Posts: 9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	@Heddy 1) Thats the opposite corner to where the noise seems loudest? (rear nearside) 2) Thanks - will remember to check them 3) Forgot to add to OP - the noise is clearly coming from Drivers side front @ Number 6 off-side? - I should have used off side/near side instead of left right - noise seems to come from Near side rear - when turning right, noise lessens See point 3 above - noise is clearly front offside seems like these retaining springs are a common theme... One thing to add to this post overall is that since i have had the car whenever i pull the handbrake on - it will always rock/roll (either back or forwards depending on the slope) roughly 3 inches on the road, and then be totally solid