Triumph Repair: rear noise, wheel bearing, wheel speed

Question
I have a 72 Spitfire that will make a noise, thumping, as I drive.   It seems to be behind me and will disappear as I slow down for a stop sign.  I plan on jacking it up, removing the wheels and trying to locate it.  Anything else I should look for or at to narrow it down?

Answer
Hi Eldon,

Try to determine if the "thumping" is wheel speed or faster. If it is wheel speed then you need to try to determine if it is on one side. Also can you feel anything in the car that also feels as though it is in sync with the thump. For example put your hand on the shift lever to see if you can feel the "thump" also, or one hand on the drive shaft tunnel.

If it is faster then wheel speed it will be in the drive shaft or in the differential. Wheel speed will be in a wheel bearing, axle "U" joint or even a tire or wheel. If it is at wheel speed and you can't spot it change the front wheel with a rear wheel but only one at a time and test drive it. If it is a "U" joint you can often see signs of rust at the cross of the "U" joint and many times the use of a screw driver to pry in the joint to see if there is any free play in the joint at all. If you get any movement at all, it is bad weather that is your noise or not.

Jacking it up and running it will sometimes ID the problem. Be sure to use jack stands not just a jack.

let me know,

Howard