Servicing Concerns (not Asking Where I Should Service It)

[kikutaknight]

I have recently purchased a R33 GTST and am really enjoying driving it around. However, I'm hearing what sounds like bearing noises in my right front wheel. It seems to lesson when i turn right, and only starts after i've been going at a certain speed or after i've turned. RAC pointed out that the wheel was making this sound when they inspected it, the shop i bought it from said they lubricated the bearings and it should be right.

I'm not too savvy when it comes to car mechanics, but since buying this car I'm hoping to learn more. I've been reading the forums and looking at some of the DIY posts. I'm going to blurt out my story in point form and hope that I can get some useful feedback.

- I wanted to get it serviced somewhere they know what they are doing

- I have a warranty where I can only take my car to specific garages

- Took it to Xspeed to ask about their prices and servicing

- Guy came out to have a look at my engine and pointed out a few things

- Mentioned that the noise i'm hearing might be bearings or could be drive shaft

- Told me my engine was missing some "plugs" ..which i will expand on in case someone can help me.

- Called the garage my warranty covers and asked them if they have experience with imported turbo skylines

- Dude said "nooo...take it to high perf shop"

- Warranty won't cover me there

- Called shop I bought car from about it they said, it's not that complicated a car. bring it back so we can see if there's something not there that should be there.

The "Plugs"

I've attached images 1, 2, 3 in a zooming arrangement to give you a detailed view without (hopefully) disorienting you.

All I can remember about what the guy at xspeed told me is that there should be plugs in these holes. There's two on each side of the engine. These plugs expand or something? And they stop something else from warping. After a while these plugs fall out and need replacing. But if they aren't replaced, more inner plugs fall out, thing warps more, and eventually something will break off into the turbo and kill it.

To fix it, what they need to do and flatten out wateva it is that warps and make sure it's nice and flush and then put some more of these 'plugs' in. He quoted around $1500 to have it fixed.

I'm sorry I can't remember what they were called and my description is pretty bad. But if you have any idea from my description and from my pictures, could you fill me in on what these things are called exactly and how concerned I should be about it.

[GTR-N1]

You said that the bearings have been lubricated. Fair enough. Most bearing noises emit a droning noise rather than a clicking noise.

You also said that the noise at the front right wheel lessens when you turn right.

This is consistent with the fact that your right hand side drive shaft is on its way out - especially if the noise is more apparent when you turn left. Just try doing some left hand turns slowly & under load. Check if there is a clicking or clackety sound during the apex.

If it's this, new CVs don't tend to cost as much as they used to.

Dunno about the plugs. It's best to PM someone in your area with the same car, so that you can compare.

BTW welcome to SAU!