What could this be?

[Matt V]

Based on a few things, I am led to believe that one of my rear wheel bearings are bad. I am constantly hearing a metallic (almost bean in a can) sound, as well as a wobbling noise that I can hear especially well at lower speeds. Are these the signs of a bad wheel bearing?

The noise is only there when I'm moving, the car drives fine (Stevan drove it right after I bought it and said everything seemed fine). And as far as I can tell, nothing is slipping.

Also, the wobbling might not be related to the rattling, could be a bad wheel bearing on top of someone else. I might take it to Stevan again for an evaluation. I even went underneath the back end and tightened everything up, the only thing that was slightly loose was the drivers side sway bar end link.

[goofygrin]

Brake pads in the rear loose?

[Matt V]

That could be a possibility, I am replacing my brakes soon anyways but is there a quick way to check? Also, that wouldn't be related to the wobbling noise right?

[goofygrin]

If the rotor is out of round. Have you ever felt a pulsing on the brake pedal as you slowly came to a stop with light pedal pressure?

I'm new to the "guess this sound on a Miata" game though...

[Matt V]

No real pulsing that I can tell, my pedal is sort of soft though, even though I bled my brakes not too long ago but I know my brakes are in pretty bad shape.

[POS Racing]

Did you bend the dust shield? Could be the dust shield rubbing on the rotor.

When I lost a rear bearing it was more of a deep roar.

Do you have any play in the hub??

[Matt V]

I don't think any of the dust shields are bent but I'll check it out. I'll also see if there's any play.

[Flyin96M]

I've had a noise similar to what you described and it ended up being a bad tire. Didn't figure this out until after I replaced both rear wheel bearings.

[Matt V]

Hmm, seems weird since my tires are in good shape with no uneven wear. Were your tires worn in a weird way?

[Flyin96M]

Nope. Try rotating the tires and see if the noise moves.

[Matt V]

I'll have to do that. I think my tires are directional but I'll go back to front to see if anything changes.

[Matt V]

Also now that I've done a little research, it seems like the rattling could be an exhaust heat shield? Man, I really wish I could put this car on a lift and inspect everything. I'll have to grab a set of jack stands sometime soon and look at things.