So I've been getting a weird noise coming from the rear of my car. At first it was only happening when it was really cold out (ILLINOIS cold, not California cold .) But now it is happening more and more. It's a kind of whooshing/swiping/rubbing noise with the occasional light screeching/squealing thrown in. The latter noise usually happens when it is quite cold, and it seems to improve after a few brake applications. So my initial thought was a rear caliper piston that was sticking when the temps were really low. But now that the noise seems to be happening more often, and at varying outside temperatures, I am starting to lean towards a bad wheel bearing. The noise always stops if I apply the brakes, even if only a little. Then I sometimes get a quick bit of rubbing noise as I release the brakes and start driving forward. That being said, the noise will also go away if I move the car quickly from side to side while driving. It often comes back, but it takes a bit. So that makes me think that it could also be suspension-related instead. I've looked through a number of threads on here that covered a bunch of different issues, but none seemed to match what my car is doing. No matter what the problem is, it definitely needs to be taken care of, because it certainly isn't going to get any better.

What would be the best test for determining if the problem is suspension or wheel-bearing related? I remember reading something about 'play' in certain parts being difficult to measure in these cars, but I can't remember if the person was talking about the wheel bearings. Any help is appreciated

 

You'll have to break the wheel off and look. To me it sounds like a possible hanging caliper and at least one of your pads (most likely the inner) is worn down.

A bad bearing will generally create a constant dull rumbling noise....but, you'll again have to get to that point to check or have someone check it.

Check the fluid level of your diff as well.

 

Ok. I'll take a look at it this weekend. I had both rear wheels off a couple weeks ago when I replaced my rear tires, and I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. All of the pads seemed ok, and the rotors look like they are in good shape. But I will look closer this time around. My rear diff has a very minor weep from one of the seals, but its has never even been enough to drip once on my garage floor.

If it does end up being a caliper issue, do you think there is a rebuild kit available? The bad part about having the Brembo package is the difficulty in finding parts sometimes

 

you need to identify the type of caliper in the rear. the fronts are “F50” type, kits are super cheap

 

I didn't realize that there were different variants of the Brembo calipers. Is the part number visible without unbolting the caliper?

 

you measure by piston diameter and there will be a rebuild kit for that size

it should be 2x28mm and 2x30mm for the rear


https://www.ohioperformancesolutions...for-2-calipers

 

When my rear bearing went bad at around 90k miles, symptoms were similar to what you described.

Raise rear wheels off ground. Grab tire on both sides and attempt to rock the wheel. apply done force. There should be no play, no clunky sounds.

I replaced both sides at same time. I figured if one was bad, the other could not be far behind.

 

Amazing how these old threads rear their heads, ....just in case you need to do your bearings.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...u-joint-88108/