<VV> CLicking noise

[Chris & Bill Strickland]

>Do you have wire wheel covers? 
>

Or loose centers in other styles, or a loose lug nut or gravel?  Pulling 
the hubcaps for a second test sounds like a good start.

My wife's car, a 2001 Olds Alero we bought with 2,000 miles on it, made 
some odd noises at times that got worse as time went on -- they 
warranted a brake job, a hub bearing, and other items before we finally 
wore out the oem tires, and when they were replaced the noise went away 
-- we later learned the oem tires had been recalled, but we had failed 
to switch the tire warranty when we did the car warranty (little 
experience with new cars), so didn't get the notice. 

Noises can be some of the simplest things or some of the most difficult 
to diagnose -- maybe traveling along side in a second (quiet) car would 
be useful in getting a feel for the noise.

VW's, with that big nut holding the rear wheel onto a tapered shaft 
would sometimes start a little clicking noise from the back, especially 
noticeable driving alongside guardrails -- generally means you need to 
lube the points rubbing block (a frequent VW issue), after you pull the 
hub cap to check to be sure the nut is tight.

Thoughts from 2¢ land,

Bill Strickland