TR2/3/3A TR3 hard cornering vibration- possible causes?

[newmexTR3]

Hey guys,

Drove the TR down to Philly and back last weekend, had a glorious drive. On the way back I noticed that on hard right turns at speed there is a strange vibration.

It feels like it's coming from the rear, but I'm not positive. Hard to be more specifc, but it feels like maybe the rear tire is rubbing something. Turning the other way is fine. It could be coming from the front as well, just not sure.

I'm headed to the garage this afternoon to inspect it. Any thing I should look for in particular?

Some info to help narrow it down:

Front suspension was completely rebuilt 2-3 years ago.
Rear shocks were replaced last year.
I have wider tires- 195's I believe, but they've never given me issue before.

Could it be a wheel bearing?

Cheers,
Gavin

 

[hondo402000]

yep could be a bearing issue, pitted race or single pitted roller

keep us posted

Hondo

 

[Andrew Mace]

I realize that the TR3 and Herald are very different cars, but I had a similar problem several years ago in my Herald. It turned out to be a bad FRONT wheel bearing!

 

[newmexTR3]

Interesting- how do I test for bad bearings? Put it in the air and see if there is any lateral play by pushing/pulling on the wheel?

 

[Moseso]

That's step one.
Most often, if a bearing has worn to the point where it's become a noticeable problem, you can feel/hear it when you spin the wheel. This is much easier to detect on the front than the rear. It should be smooth and quiet. If there's any "rumbling" of "gritty" feel (not the differential nor the brakes) it's time for a look inside.

 

[TR3driver]

If it hasn't been touched for 2-3 years, then the front wheel bearings are due to be regreased anyway. While the above comments are valid, sometimes a bad spot won't show up unless the bearing is loaded. So my suggestion is to just go ahead and repack the front wheel bearings (which of course includes inspecting the cups and rollers for any signs of distress, discoloration, matte appearance, etc.) Check the spindles too for any signs of a 'spun' bearing.

 

[newmexTR3]

Thanks guys. Any chance of getting the bearings at a local FLAPS? I wonder if they cross reference with anything common. We also have a big bearing supplier here in NYC.

 

[TR3driver]

Might be able to find em at your FLAPS. The front bearings are the same as for TR4-6. I found a set at RockAuto for significantly less than the "big 3" want (but one of the components wound up being National instead of Timken).

 

[Andrew Mace]

TR2-6, Mayflower, Herald and Spitfire all use the same front wheel bearings, so they shouldn't be terribly difficult to find!

 

[PeterK]

Wouldn't hurt to give the rears a few shots of grease too. There's a zerk just behind the brake backing plates on the axle.

 

[newmexTR3]

Well, luckily, it turned out to be none of the above. I also thought I had blown my intake/exhaust gasket during the trip, as I could hear a significant leak from the engine compartment.

All of the wheels checked out and I couldn't see any obvious rubbing. I began to take off the manifolds to replace the gasket when I decided to double check the exhaust flange nuts. Lo and behold one was missing and the other two were very loose. Honestly this is the second time this has happened to me in the last year. I'm using the stock brass nuts with lock washers and some copper anti-sieze, but they keep loosening up. Anyone else having this issue?

Anyway, after tightening them up, both problems disappeared. No more exhaust noise/leak from up front and the vibration disappeared. I'm thinking that when the flange came loose the pipe must have had enough play to vibrate on the frame under hard cornering.

Thanks for the help though!

Fingers crossed- the wife is taking the TR to Philly tomorrow ALONE! This will be her first long drive without me. :eeek:

 

[mrv8q]

Fingers crossed- the wife is taking the TR to Philly tomorrow ALONE! This will be her first long drive without me. :eeek:

Don't worry; what could go wrong?

 

[TR3driver]

I'm using the stock brass nuts with lock washers and some copper anti-sieze, but they keep loosening up. Anyone else having this issue?

I used to, before I started replacing the lockwashers every time.

 

[Don Elliott]

Haven't they fixed the pot-holes yet in New York and the Bronx ? Is that good enough as a reason ?