Thumping from right rear wheel.

[Sr71z]

I have a 71 240 that I’ve recently replaced all bushings, bearings and installed coilovers.  When driving I can hear a thumping every time the wheel revolves except when I’m on the brakes, then the noise goes away.  I’ve replaced the shoes and the drum brake hardware.  The lug nuts get crazy hot on the right rear wheel where the noise comes from) from after about 10 mins of driving.  Much hotter then the left (no noise side) The car stops fine.  I don’t think it’s a bearing issue because the noise goes away when I’m breaking.  Ther have been times mid drive when the thumping disappears but it always returns.  I’ve taken the wheel off and inspected the drum and dust cover.  They don’t seem to be catching/rubbing.  Appreciate any ideas.

[siteunseen]

Swap the lugs nuts around and see if it follows that set. 

[Sr71z]

Swapped lug nuts and the noise immediately disappeared.?  Thanks that might have been my easiest Datsun fix yet!  I’ve got a new set of rims I’m going to be putting on soon.  Should I be looking for a better set of lugnuts?

[Mark Maras]

 That fix would drive me nuts until I figured out why.

[Zed Head]

16 hours ago, Sr71z said:

Swapped lug nuts and the noise immediately disappeared.? 

 Should I be looking for a better set of lugnuts?

The problem was supposed to follow the lug nuts, not go away.  What kind of wheels do you have and lug nuts?  Seems like you might have the wrong nuts for the wheel.

And if the lug nuts actually got hot due to the thumping then your lugs have probably taken a beating.  Just because the noise went away doesn't mean things are right.  There might be some damage.

p.s. I see your punishment Mark M... (that was a "nuts" pun, right???)

Edited July 23, 2020 by Zed Head

[dutchzcarguy]

10 hours ago, Zed Head said:

What kind of wheels do you have and lug nuts?

GOOD question, i had aftermarket (240z/260z)wheels and original wheels (from a 280zx)  and they had completly different thickness in the lug nuts!  Testfit them in the wheel when you have it off the car.. they should fit properly.  

[Sr71z]

I’ve got the standard mag wheels.  The car only came with 12 lug nuts and a couple anti theft nuts. So one of the first things I did was order a set off amazon.  The new lug nuts are clearly longer than the originals.  Again amazing diagnosis!  
 

So before I put my 14” Watanabes on the car I should probably find out what length/size lugnuts they need...

 

[Zed Head]

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