"rotary" noise behind passenger compartment

[Stephen M. Marsh]

'91 NSX 5 speed trany 97,000 miles- new subtle noise in same frequency as speed of car and NOT with speed of engine or tach. Seems to be sort of a rotating noise if that makes any sense but doesn't seem to be a rubbing noise. I would appreciate a lead to try to find this problem and especially an opinion as to how bad and emergent this might be. I've never asked for help here before but have read many very helpful comments on this sight. Thanks very much.

 

[Briank]

Could be a wheel bearing or if your tires are worn they may be cuped which will cause a noise.


Is you stereo still working ok?

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Check if the trans is in snapring range, if so , check the snapring.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[rbirling]

How about brake pads?

 

[Shumdit]

I also think check the tires first. The wheel bearing or snap ring are also possibles, but a little harder to check.

 

[cmarsh90]

This is Steve's son, just to re-iterate the noise is very subtle, not always present (especially at real low speeds not present) and seems to come from behind the driver in the center of the car (center left to right that is).

I did a short check of the wear on the tires they looked fine, what else should I look for?

Can anyone link me to how to check the tranny serial# for snap ring range?

 

[Shumdit]

The link for the snap ring info is:
http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Troubleshooting/transmission.htm

 

[Doc308]

It's easy to inspect the snap ring itself. Remove the driver side rear wheel. On the driver side of the engine , just next to the axle shaft you'll see a plug with a square indent in the center of it. You can fit the square end of an 1/2"socket extenttion into it. Using a rachet or breaker bar turn counter clockwise until the seal breaks. Then just unscrew the plug. check inside the hole to see if the snap ring is intact. If it's broken, you'll see pieces of it sitting on the threded part of the inspection hole.

A nery small amount of tranny fluid will dribble out when you remove the plug so put a pan under the car. It's not enough to cause any harm.

 

[cmarsh90]

We replaced the rear tires, still makes the noise.

Attached are pictures of the axle nuts as it has been suggested that if the stake moves that can cause problems.

So let us know what you think of the pics and further issues to explore since it is not the tires.

 

[4AU4LIFE]

We replaced the rear tires, still makes the noise.

Attached are pictures of the axle nuts as it has been suggested that if the stake moves that can cause problems.

So let us know what you think of the pics and further issues to explore since it is not the tires.

don't see any pics on this post.

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Axle Nuts are fine, check the snap-ring.

HTH,
LarryB