Took it in today. New mechanic at the joint I use.
He took one drive. Put the new tyres on back and vice versa. No difference - rules out wheels and tyres.
Took wheels off front, and checked out all the underneath - no issues with transmission, torque converter, differential, drive shafts or U joints.
And what it is? Why, it's the bloody bearings again, BOTH sides! Less than 2 bloody weeks fresh!
It had been rumbling from the SECOND they did it. I took it back the DAY after they changed the bearings and tyres. They said it was road noise (I KNOW MY CAR'S SOUNDS - it was NOT just new tyre noise) Took it back 3 days later - this time they said it was front end alignment and rear balance, so they did that (gratis). Third time I had the brakes and rotors changed. Then yesterday, and today driving I KNEW for SURE it was the bearings AGAIN.
So, the bearings had gone INSTANTLY - probably when the mech drove it. Makes me think either non-preloaded bearings, not greased, no shims or undersized/wrong bearings.
Needless to say, the manager is onto it, and is seeking warranty on the bearings. The bearings WILL be replaced by them next week.
In the meantime, I have obtained an EF Falcon from a friend - good reliable station wagon - I drove one from QLD to Perth in 4 days, with crook brakes and a leaking head, and it didn't miss a beat except for overheating coil in Armidale thanks to the oil getting on it from the leaking head
