problems with the rear wheels

[240sxseauto]

i keep hearing a rubbing noise from the passenger side. it's more of a groan when the wheel rolls around the top. If it's hot out side, the squeak is worse. I need help.

I've also got some problems with my ignition. i turn the key and it goes click. i can do it several times, or just hit the key and it'll fire right up. i cleaned the battery terminals and checked all grounds off the battery.

the only performane mod on the car is a K&N air filter. I still only get 22mpg on the highway. how can i improve that?

[rogoman]

The noise at the rear wheels may be due to worn down brake pads. There are wear indicators mounted on the pads; once the pads wear down to a certain point, the wear indicators start scratching the rotors.

The starting problem may be caused by a marginal starter solenoid or the interlock relay that's located behind the battery.

The O2 sensor may be bad or the wire is disconnected causing the low MPG.

[240sxseauto]

The pads are less than 3 months old. If i jack the car up in the rear and rotate the tires, it'll do it.

i'm unfamiliar with a rack and pinion steering. my last car was a 1984 silverado p/u. Does this car have tierods?

it groans really loud when turn to the right and come back to center when the car is sitting still. i looked underneath and saw that the dust boot was almost gone. Is that my problem?

[rogoman]

If you recreate the noise by turning the wheels by hand, you should be able to pinpoint the exact location of the noise.

The 240SX uses tie rods; the tie rod end(s) may be seized up.