TROUBLE AND SQUEAK
QThere’s a constant reciprocating squeak from the rear nearside rear wheel of my MGA when it’s on the move. It goes away if I take left-hand bends or brake heavily.
The rear does squeak in a similar manner when I push down on the wing – but it doesn’t on the way back up. Spinning the wheels by hand produces nothing unusual. I can’t find anything wrong with the brakes. It has wire wheels, but the splines have been regularly greased and the spokes seem very solid. What else can I check?
Steven Bowditch, Carlisle
AAs a similar squeak occurs when bouncing the car, could the noise be coming from the leaf spring? Spray the spring and bushes generously with penetrating lubricant and go for a test-drive. If the squeak goes away, lubricate the spring properly and check the bushes and shackles. The links to the lever-arm shock absorbers are worth investigating, too.
The constant squeaking may be in response to a wheel or tyre that’s out-of-balance, outof-round or bent. Jack up the wheel and spin it to check. Or has the tyre flat-spotted during an extended lay-up?