strange scraping sound from the rear of van ?

[Big Boris]

hi all ,
i seem to have a scraping sound coming from the back of my van ive allready had the drive shafts changed so cant be them that was more of a knocking sound ... has anyone experienced this before ??
ed

[waltraud]

Can you say more about the exact sound , pitch and type.....i would check that the backplates are not in contact with the drums in a way that interferes with smoth running and also just take off the rear drums and see if anything is loose like a spring or something similar. Sometimes small stones or debris like rust falls into the drum and gets caught up so it could also be that. If its louder and rotational and keeps goin if you are in gear or not then it could be bearing noise i suppose...others will come along to add to what that might be like and how to check for symptoms.

[CovKid]

And do the obvious - like checking wheel nuts, axle nut etc.

[camper]

It could be wear in the hub causing the wheel bearing outer cage to move.That scraping noise and knock i get occasionally .Replaced wheel bearing and CVs my rear hubs have internal wear i used locktite bearing fitment seal.

[Ian Hulley]

If it's a rotating scraping sound more on one side as you corner and load transfers onto one side then it's play in the bearing or the hub nut needs tightening up. These need to be UGLY tight .... 2 fat blokes and a 6ft pole tight.

[Big Boris]

just got it back from garage to leave them all scratching thier heads ,they had it up on the ramps ,took it out up the road and still couldnt identyfy it ,one mechanic said the only thing he could think of was a wheel bearing but they said there was no play in the wheels at all and couldnt pin point where the noise was coming from,im sure it is from the rear ,the noise is almost like a dragging noise ,im going to take the rear wheels off today and have a look myself not sure what im doing tho so it will litrally be a look ???

thaks for your input people much appreciated

[camper]

I think it could be hub internal dia wear or oval where the bearings are fitted.The grinding noise and knock could be due to the bearing carrier turning in the hub.I fitted GSF bearings then this noise occured then i changed them for Mr baxtor qaulity but used locktight bearing fit seal.Removing & fitting wheel bearing should done by a press then even pressure is applied then no damage can be caused to the bearings or hub.And make sure the caster nut is tight as said a scaffold pole and two fat blokes

[Big Boris]

just been out to take rear wheels off and i could almost do it with my fingers !!!! so rang garage to see if they had them off yesterday and they said they only checked the fronts ,so tightened them up took it for a test drive and not a sound !! .the last time those wheels where off was to put new tryes on for the mot in april so i can only sugest one of the guys at said garage forgot to nip them up ,so covkid was right sometimes you have to check the obvious
thanks again all of you for your input ,now i can relax knowing its ok as we are off to france next sunday .
ed

[CovKid]

Just bear in mind that left loose for any amount of time these can induce stresses in other associated components. Check your wheel bearings for play at least and if all seems ok, happy motoring.

[Big Boris]

whats the best way to check your wheel bearings ?
ed

[CovKid]

Jacking the van up and grabbing hold of wheel firmly and seeing if you can feel play in it. Its in the WIKI and in Haynes.