Thumping noise when I turn right?

[docanderson]

Ok all, I could use some advice. Yesterday, my 69 started making a thumping noise from the passenger side front when driving straight and more pronounced when I'm turning right. I don't hear it when turning left or at speed. My wheel bearings were a little loose so I adjusted them to about 0.003 inch of play. Noise is still there. I have:
New tie rods and rebuilt torsion arms w/ new ball joints
New tires and alignment
New sway bar bushings
New disc brake conversion with new bearings and brake hoses last weekend.
I'm at loss. If the thump doesn't go away, I will need to take it to someone better than me.

[VW_Jimbo]

Was it thumping before the disc brake install?
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[docanderson]

I noticed it a couple days ago, a few days after the disc brake install. I've been driving it every day. The disc brake kit was from socal and used the existing spindles.

[dirtkeeper]

Check for rocks or nails in your tire tread or other tread defect.

[beetlenut]

Does is make the noise when applying the brakes while driving straight or turning right?
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[sb001]

Amazing... I am having the exact same issue after my disc brake conversion as well:

[airschooled]

Swap tires from left to right and see if the problem follows.

Robbie
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[vwoldbug]

Probably a dumb question , did you retorque the lug bolts.

[docanderson]

Vwoldbug. Not a dumb question at all as I was doubting myself at first. By the time I double and triple checked the bearing tolerances, I am certain I did retorque the the bolts.
Asiab3, brilliant idea! I'll try that and let you know what happens.

Thanks all

[docanderson]

Tried swapping tires. I could tell just by spinning the wheel that the problem was still there. Swapped tires back and tried adjusting the bearings again...the noise stopped...until I drove the car for a few minutes, then it started again. Mostly when turning right. Brakes seem to decrease it slightly. Wondering if I got a faulty bearing or maybe the spindle just needs more grease between the bearings?

[beetlenut]

Did you pack the bearings well?
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[docanderson]

As well as I've ever done, but I'm thinking tomorrow I'll try to do them even better.

[TDCTDI]

Drop spindles? Aftermarket wheels?

Check for interference of wheel weights or rim on lower control arm.

Also check for contact of wheel to caliper. The calipers will tend to strike the weld bead where the center of the wheel is joined to the outer hoop.
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[docanderson]

Ok, I'm at a loss. To answer a few recent questions, stock spindles and wheels. I don't see any clearance issues. I did repack the bearings as well as j could.
I don't have to be making a right turn. I heard the noise most prominently when the wheel is just slightly turned to the right. If I'm driving down the road and I gently swerve back and forth between the left and right sides of my lane, it will start thumping when I'm swerving to the right.
I think I'm either out of my mind or out of my league so I'll just deal with it until I can get a pro to look at it.

Thanks for all the recommendations and advice.

[raydog]

Have you tried jacking the front end up and rocking the wheels at 12and 6 oclock, and also 3 and 9 oclock for play in the suspension? This will also show a loose wheel bearing. I know it says you have new parts under there, but it is possible something loosened up or was never tightened.

[sb001]

Doc, again your issue sounds exactly like the same issue I had after installing the same disc conversion kit- even down to the "slight turn to the right causing it" part.
I finally seem to have fixed mine (fingers crossed) by re-bleeding the new disc brake calipers (from the TOP bleeder valve only!) and then adjusting the spindle nuts to where they are JUST up against the thrust washers. I did also swap the wheels left to right but I had checked for clearance issues with the tie rods and control arms same as you and saw no problem.
The first time I had bled my brakes after install, I had done it from the bottom valves. I learned later I was supposed to do it from the top valves since air pockets will rise. Sure enough I found some more air in my brake lines- anyway once I had them bled again and everything back together, I don't seem to be having the problem anymore (again, fingers crossed.) You might give that a shot- worth a try at least.
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[dirtkeeper]

Maybe gotta check the rear end Brakes and cv’s, Can another person drive with you and confirm it’s coming from the front.?

[Eskamobob1]

I had this exact problem when i installed my disks as well. Turned out that the trailing arm was just barely contacting one of the weights on the inside of my wheel. are you sure this isnt what is happening for you?
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[docanderson]

Thanks for the new ideas. I'll get under and look again Thursday or this weekend. I'm fairly certain it's coming from the right front. I can feel it in the steering wheel.

[heimlich]

I'd repack the bearings and make sure the nuts are on tight and to spec. If it was there before I'd look at the CV.
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