QuestionHello. Sorry about my english first of all.
My Spitfire 1500 (1979), spanish one, has a big noise that seems from the right rear wheel. In fact, is clear that comes from there... The noise works whit the wheel, I mean, if the wheel turns a lot the noise follow the wheel...and the same if turn less (like "cloc...cloc...cloc..."). Sometimes disappears if you push the accelerator. My mechanic has change the "palier" and "cojinetes" (bearing and ball bearing I think is in english)...but the noise persists. He has put a lot of microphones around the car and his conclusion is that the problem comes from the differential. He has dismantled the differential and he is sure that the problem comes from it because of the very bad condition of the piece. He says me to change it. Here are my doubs:
1.- ¿Can be the differential despite the fact that the noise sounds in the wheel?
2.- If can be the differential...¿is there any posibility of reparation instead of changing the whole piece?
3.- If I have to buy a new diferential ¿which is the reference or way to guess the correct one for my car, where can I buy it a good price, and how much could cost?
Thank you very much indeed!
Eduardo
AnswerHi Eduardo,
A new differential would probably cost more than the car is worth. Most of the parts of the differential are available so replacing any bad parts would be a better correction if it is really in the differential.
While is possible that a differential noise can sound like something else it is not likely. You should put the car on a lift and have someone put the car in gear and run the speed up to what ever speed the noise is noticeable and use a mechanic's stethoscope to listen at the wheel hub and at the side of the differential to pinpoint the noise. It will be clear what is wrong.
The noise can be the outer wheel bearings (roller bearings that run directly on the axle) or the inner "U" joint, or the stub axle bearing (ball bearing) in the side of the differential.
Howard
