Rear beam symptoms

[aaron_one]

Hi everyone, this has probably been covered before but I thought I'd post fresh as I couldn't find a definitive answer. Just picked my hdi up today, it has 15 inch steelies on and the inside of the wheels seem to have been rubbing on the plastic, the plastic doesn't seem to be sitting flush with the actual arch but I'm not sure whether this is normal or the reason that the wheels may have been rubbing. I will try and get pictures tomorrow to show you if there is any camber. 
Are there any other symptoms for a failing beam? Noises, checks that I can do etc. 
much appreciated

[Redordead89]

Lie under the back of the car with your head under the axle area and push the car up and down, you will likely hear creaks and squeaks from the beam if it's duff!
If the Steelies are wearing 205 tires then they're too wide without spacers and will be fouling on the inner arch liners, original 14" Steelies won't rub and neither will 15" 306 alloys!

[aaron_one]

Cheers Red, I'll be sure to do that tomorrow,
I'll head out now and check the tyre size, they do look very wide to me!

[welshpug]

its over 14 years old at least, so will need a rebuild.

[aaron_one]

How much am I looking at spending on a rebuild? And do I need to supply them with any parts? The tyres are 195/55/15 so they're not too big!

[welshpug]

cost depends on just hpw worn your axle is.

best approach if you can't have the car off the road is to get an identical beam and rebuild that, parts can be up to £200+ if it needs mounts too.