Rear end noise
 

All of a sudden, I have noise coming from the rear of the car. It starts at about 20mph and gets louder as speed increases. Clutch in or out, no change. It is kind of a roaring. My mechanic put in new inner and outer front bearings. It has not gotten worse, yet is annoying.

I can't say for sure,

but perhaps the *rear* bearings? If your mechanic changed the front ones, when were the back ones last done? If you can't remember, or you think they've never been done, it's definitely a possibility. Especially since with the clutch the noise doesn't change, meaning that it's related to the rotation of the wheels, and not the rotation of the driveshaft.

Anybody better?

Just my canadian nickle.

Jon

Does I change only with speed, or with load as well?

It only changes w/ speed, not load. Hey I have a little flat bed trailer that I pull w/ this car. Anybody have problems w/ trailering? Does Mazda approve of a light load?

^^^ Now, I would like to see that =)

Have any pics?



Sounds like a bearing to me...
You can tell by jacking up the back and spinning the tires by hand... listen for a rubbing noise... If you hear it then you can tell where it's coming from.

It could be the bearing races since the bearings themselves have been changed already or the collapsible spacer.
Did you recently switch to a synthetic gear lube?

Yes you can tow http://rotarynews.com/view.php?id=183

It is the pinion bearing, I had the same prob after I lowered the car. I replaced it and it was gone.

Contrary to RacerX7fb, I don't believe mazda *does* approve of towing.

If you have the original owner's manual, check page 4-4

*pulls out original 1984 Mazda RX-7 owner's manual from plastic pouch*

page 4-4, and I quote
"TOWING A TRAILER
We do not advise using this vehicle for trailer towing purposes"

And hell, I agree with them :)

Jon

read again, the *front* bearings have been changed, not the rear.

Jon

vipernicus42
Your proofreading skills have been noted...and I will refrain from taking antihistamines before posting early in the morning :p:

Where as the Owners Manual is a good general guideline.. for the status quo. There are things in here that are to a point ludicrous and I hope nobody takes everything in here word for word.

<dusts off old 1984 RX-7 Owners Manual>

page 2-3, WARNING- The doors should always be locked while driving... why?

page 3-23, WARNING- It is recommended that only the lighter be inserted in the socket. Use of "plug-in" type accessories (shavers, coffee-pot, etc.) may damage the socket and result in electrical failure... anyone with a radar detector heed the afformentioned!..forbid you have an actual coffee pot in your car :eek:

also page 3-23, WARNING: -Do not use your ash tray as a waste receptacle.... well damn Ive been putting my chewing gum wrappers in there for 14 years before emptying it out when I get home.

page 3-37, WARNING: - Do not attempt to remove the sunroof when the vehicle is moving.... good common sense will tell you that. Now unless you are a professional driver or stuntman in a controlled environment, go for it!

page 6-4, CAUTION- Do not use radiator anti-freeze for windshield washer solution. This may result in damage to the paint... well duh

page 6-8, The Scheduled Maintenence Services for engine oil (every 7500 miles) and oil filter changes (every 15,000 miles) is absolutely absurd... I hope noone follows it, but Mazda wrote this, right?

back to page 1-6, #7. Do not modify or tamper with any part of the engine or emmsion control system. All inspections and adjustments must be made by a qualified technician... yeah right, try telling ANYONE on this forum that!

now page 4-4, TOWING A TRAILER We do not advise using this vehicle for trailer towing purposes....word is 'advise' not a WARNING.

http://images.rotarynews.com/images/...gtheroad-s.jpg

At a track or autocross, where you will see more 7s than on the street you will see trailers attached to FDs, FCs, FBs and SAs to haul their tires, tools and parts successfully towed without any long term detrimental effects to the car.

Point being, think outside of the box..which is why we are on this forum, and its how people have made the RX-7 into the successful sports/race car that it is :)

<closes Owners Manual and puts back on shelf for another decade>

Good read on Tim Schuh and his P-ported RX-7 and a half trailering 8000 miles to compete.


http://rotarynews.com/view.php?id=183

I towed a 4x8 box trailer from denver to atlanta even got proof i can do 3 digits with a trailer 18" taller than my car. i had all my stuff in it and a riding lawnmower. i know a eazy 2k lbs. it didnt have the "pep" it did with out the trailer but the carbon kevlar pads and slotted rotors had NO prob. slowing it down. other than it being a real pain to wire the car i had no real prob. with towing

Your post amused me, RacerX7fb