Weird Noise

[Greyhound]

Being new to Diesels and Airbrakes/bags, I have recently developed a new sound that has me baffled.
The sound is that similar to when I was a kid and put a baseball card in the spokes. The faster I went, the louder it got. I have checked all the obvious, but can find nothing that would indicate a problem.
I sent a e-mail to Freightliner, describing the noise and explained that I was in Mexico on a caravan and would not be back in the US until the end of the month. Their response was to have it checked out immediately. Unfortunately that is not an option.
I have less than 2500 miles on the coach. Air pressure while driving is above 100 psi. When I dump, it goes to 60 psi. When I pull the release it then goes to zero.
I have noticed no change in the braking, no smells of things burning, nor any hot wheels. I will be contacting Freightliner when I get to San Diego the end of the month.
Is this something I should be concerned about and seek out repairs in Mexico or ?
Thanks in advance for your responses.
Bob

[Greyhound]

Being new to Diesels and Airbrakes/bags, I have recently developed a new sound that has me baffled.
The sound is that similar to when I was a kid and put a baseball card in the spokes. The faster I went, the louder it got. I have checked all the obvious, but can find nothing that would indicate a problem.
I sent a e-mail to Freightliner, describing the noise and explained that I was in Mexico on a caravan and would not be back in the US until the end of the month. Their response was to have it checked out immediately. Unfortunately that is not an option.
I have less than 2500 miles on the coach. Air pressure while driving is above 100 psi. When I dump, it goes to 60 psi. When I pull the release it then goes to zero.
I have noticed no change in the braking, no smells of things burning, nor any hot wheels. I will be contacting Freightliner when I get to San Diego the end of the month.
Is this something I should be concerned about and seek out repairs in Mexico or ?
Thanks in advance for your responses.
Bob

[Jestme13]

Bob, it could be a loose paper tag or sticker flapping in the breeze. Keep looking, and keep a good eye on everything mechanical.

Have fun in ole Mexico

[wdbates]

I would take a good hard look at tires,valave stems/hardware and hub caps. Just as you say the noise is in tune with the tires. Anything from rocks in the hubcaps to a tire with a bolt stuck in it...My best guess

[Garbageman]

Bob, I'm only taking a wild guess at this but I would think the noise was comming from the front axle area. It would be awfully hard to hear anything at the rear of the coach from the drivers seat. Check the front brake area. I don't know if you have drum or disc brakes but in either case look for something protruding into or out of a rotating part. If you have drum brakes look at the brake backing plate to insure that the inspection cover hasn't come loose and is acting as a "baseball card".

Just my thoughts. Good luck

Paul

[jimandsue60]

Could there be a rock stuck between the rear dual tires?

Jim

[Garbageman]

Bob, have you found the source of the wierd noise yet. Let us know what you find out.

Paul

[Greyhound]

Paul,
I have done all the obvious checks. Did find stones in the tires and on the left front a small piece of the tread had been ripped off. Thought that was the problem, but when I went to park it on the beach, driving in sand, it continued.
Still in Mexico so will wait until I get to San Diego to have the tires pulled. Still have one other option, but need some caulking to see if that is the problem. There is a hose that extends below the water heater and may be caught up in the wind when traveling
I also intend to contact Freightliner when I get back to the US.
I do appreciate all the responses/recommendations. I keep telling myself it is something so obvious, I don't see it.
Will let you know the outcome when I get it resolved.
Bob

[Greyhound]

Update. Took the coach into Freightliner after returning from Mexico and after 13 hours, was told it was not a Freightliner issue. The tech felt it was the wheelcover rubbing against the wheel from being torqued to tight by Alfa. I am waiting until Monday when I am having some warranty work done on it to learn what Alfa has to say.
The tech did give me a suggestion that if Alfa does not have honor repairs, was to place some felt around the lug nuts, which stop the noise. Not sure if I want to do that. I am thinking about swapping the right with the left and see if that stops it, in the event I get the run around from Alfa. Oh the fun of owning a motorhome.
If Alfa comes with something earth shattering, will post their response.
Bob