I bought a Scion XA

[SAWYER]

I picked one up in Memphis and made it home just now, it seems like a good little car besides a loud noise coming from the rear somewhere. It sounds like something is rubbing a tire and it stops when I turn the wheel to the left, any suggestions on things to check out? for anyone here who has one, what kind of mpg can I expect for mostly expect with speed limit driving?

 

[Midwayman]

You bought it with a loud noise coming from the rear without taking it to a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection? eek.

Porbably a broken/damage suspension component... guessing left side. Take off the wheels when you get home and look for evidence of rubbing.

 

[SAWYER]

I jacked up each side in the back, when I spin the left rear wheel I hear what I am assuming is that noise, the rear right tire was quite when spinning

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Pull off wheel. Check brakes. Probably the source of the noise. If not brakes them bearing is shot.

 

[WT]

I gotta hand it to ya, Sawyer, you are one ballsy S.o.B. to be buying these numerous projects and hoping for the best. Always nice when it turns out to be an easy fix, but that ONE TIME where is costs you more $$ to fix than you want to spend is the time I'd toss in the towel and say "I'm done".

 

[nerp]

Could be a brake, hub, or you might need a wheel bearing. If the latter, get this done soon. You do not want to be going 75 on the freeway when it fails and your wheel goes flying.

 

[SAWYER]

I have put about 500 miles on it, I think I lucked out. I ordered a new hub assembly for the left rear wheel, it was only 35 bucks and is due today. It had just recently had an oil change so I am going to do the transmission fluid and I did the spark plugs a couple days ago

 

[Vdubchaos]

Could be a brake, hub, or you might need a wheel bearing. If the latter, get this done soon. You do not want to be going 75 on the freeway when it fails and your wheel goes flying.

I had a bad wheel bearing on my car for over 30k and wheel never fell off.....

but yeah, chances are high it's either Wheel bearing or something up with the brakes.

Next time you buy a used car, inspect it or hire someone to do so. Protect your investment. Many of the used cars = buying someone else's problems (as you are learning)

 

[SAWYER]

I just replaced the hub assembly and that was my issue. That was one of the easiest repairs ever, it probably took the same time or less than it took to do my plugs