Engine noise?

[280EZRider]

My 77 280E has developed a low frequency noise which appears to be coming from the left engine bay area and is audible between 70 & 80 mph only. Both flex dics are OK and there is no associated vibration. Any ideas?

[Pooka]

Have your tires checked. It sounds like you have a belt seperating. It might also be a wheel bearing.

Jack up the left front wheel and place your hands at the 12 and 6 o'clock position and see if there is any play when you try to move the tire back and forth. It should be firm with no play. (If you place your hands at the 9 and 3 o'clock position there will be play because you will be taking up the slack in the steering linkage.)

If there is play you can remove the dust cap and tighten the bearing nut up to remove the play, but you need to start shopping for some front wheel bearings as tightening a worn out bearing is a temporay repair only.

Pooka

[280EZRider]

Thanks, Pooka. Last winter I repacked the wheel bearings, but you never know. I'll check them.

The other question is: how do you find a tire place that will give you an honest check without trying to simply sell you a new set of tires? (Mine are new Michelens as of a year ago).