Strange sound coming from tire/axle...?

[dof]

Hello, I have a 1996 GA SE 2.4 DOHC, and I am hearing an odd sound coming from the left front wheel area- i don't know if it's actually the tire but it basically sounds like a piece of rubber flapping against something.. it only happens when the car is moving, and gets faster as I speed up.

I have looked at all of the wheel areas, didn't see anything at all.

A little while ago, someone told me that I would need a replacement "Donut" for the exhaust system... I don't know what that is, but could this be the issue? Keep in mind that the sound originates from the left front area of the vehichle.

Thanks,

Dof

[rixGAphx]

Originally posted by dof
Hello, I have a 1996 GA SE 2.4 DOHC, and I am hearing an odd sound coming from the left front wheel area- i don't know if it's actually the tire but it basically sounds like a piece of rubber flapping against something..
There is a very critical piece of rubber inboard of the tire, and if' it's flapping you're in trouble.

Jack and support the driver front of the car.
Remove the wheel.
The axle shaft comes from the tranny to the hub and brakes.
At the hub end of the axle is the CV joint, which is contained in a round, accordian-type ball of black rubber. This is the CV joint cover or 'boot', and it is supposed to be filled with grease (to lubricate the CV joint).

I fear your CV joint boot has torn, and is flapping as the axle spins.
This means the CV joint has been starved of lubrication for sometime, and it has probably already suffered major damage.


A little while ago, someone told me that I would need a replacement "Donut" for the exhaust system...
I doubt it.

The only exhaust 'donut' I can think of is a very large black O-ring looking thing, about 3" diameter.
It is made of special black rubber that is heat-resistant, and it is used to hold the exhaust tube in place just like a rubber band, or to suspend the exhaust tube from the chassis.

Hope this helps.
-Rick