Growl in the front end

[archiethe3rd]

I have had my '78 for about 2 months. Since the driving weather in Kansas City has been more rain than sun I have been working on it in the garage. I have new tires, Federal Formoza 205 60R 13, wheels that I believe were an option on these cars(they are Fiat wheels), new front shocks and new front brake job. I didn't get to drive the car much before the brake job, because the calipers were seized, so I don't know if it made this noise prior to the work I've done. When I drive it I get a low growling noise in the front end. It doesn't always happen and will quit sometimes. When I hit the brakes it will cease, but when I let off it may come back, or if I turn the wheel abruptly and slightly left and right it may stop. I can just hear it not really feel it in the steering wheel. I wondered if it was the wind through the grill. I am planning on new wheel bearings this weekend. Also, I am wondering if I need different lug bolts, as I took off the stock wheels and put on different Fiat wheels. I do believe this car has had at least one wreck, rear passenger side and possibly front driver's side because the front fender and hood do not match in sheen or color to the rest of the car. I can see where the body shop tried to blend the paint. Any other ideas of what this might be will be appreciated.

archiethe3rd

[So Cal Mark]

if the car sat long enough to seize the calipers, you could have ball joints, tie rods or steering damper that are seized also. The control arm bushings may be dried out or split also

[archiethe3rd]

Well, you are right. It did sit for awhile so why wouldn't there be other issues. I first noticed it when accelerating into turns, but now it may happen when I am driving straight and it is constant. After the wheel bearings, if the sound continues, I am not wealthy, what would you do next? I will check the areas that you mentioned. If the noise is still there after the bearing job is it dangerous to drive? Thanks Mark for the insightful and quick response.

[So Cal Mark]

a lower ball joint failure can be disasterous. While it's raised up for the wheel bearings, I'd try to isolate the noise. Turn the wheels back and forth and listen for the noise. Steering dampers that have leaked their fluid are notorious for noises, then they seize and break the mounting ears off

[majicwrench]

Ball joints and tie rods will not make noise just driving down road, certainly not a growl.. This should be simple, before you change anything, jack up car and spin the tires by hand and see if one is noisy. Brakes can rub, backing plates can rub, bearings can be bad, jack it up and find out, don't guess.
But yes, take a gander at the other items as well for safeties sake.
Keith

[4uall]

I had some noise recently in the front end after doing suspension, brakes etc. Turned out to be a brake shield was rubbing every now & then
Bottom of page 10
http://forum.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtop ... &start=135