Hi Guys, I've been slowly working on my car after a nasty crash that smashed up the left hand side suspension. Car is back on the road now, but there is a grinding sound when the car decelerates (or front end dips), especially when turning right (more weight on front left). It's quite loud, and apart from not liking the noise, I'm fairly certain it's not good . I have had a look, but cannot really see anything that would cause it. The suspension guys are a bit baffled as well, but one suggested it might be something to do with the front left rotor/brake. Has anyone encountered such a noise, or have any suggestions on what it might be? Hopefully the last thing I need to do other than installing a camber kit to fix up the front camber. To rule out some things, or point you in the right direction, I have so far replaced the following: Both front Tie Rods All Shocks and Springs (now slightly lower) Rear subframe completely replaced Front left upright (connects Upper control arm to Knuckle) All wheels Front left and rear left lower control arms Tie rod for hicas (left) Steering has not been touched, but as far as I can tell no damage to arms. Thanks for your help guys! Andy
probably won't be this as i'd expect it to grind ALL the time, but is the brake rotor dust cover instact and not scraping the rotor?
Yeah I made sure of that when I put wheels back on, I'll check again though. However, the sound is made from something that sounds stronger. If that makes sense, a more dense or thicker metal.
checked your front wheel bearings? Not so sure about the decel. symptom, but could definitely be with the turning right, putting extra load on the bearing. Does it ease when turning left?
going by your list of replaced items, the front left upper control arm wasn't replaced? is this part ok? how are the bushes & all connecting hardware like the bracket which bolts to the body?
You mention changing wheels. Did you alter size, width or offset(or tyre width/profile)? If so, you may find that your front left tyre is rubbing on the inner guard skirt(exactly where the radiator overflow bottle is located)and will eventually rub right through both the skirt and the bottle. This is more likely to occur on lowered suspension/wider tyre and rim combinations(and is increased when turning to the right).:zlove:
Yep if turning left, it's all gone. Would the bearing make such a loud grinding sound? Upper control arm did seem fine, but I'll be replacing that anyway to fix up the camber issue. Interesting. I know the rear left is getting a 'whurring' sound, indicative of a bearing issue, but didn't think this could be the same because of how loud it is. Might do it just to be safe. Any idea of prices? I altered the diameter, profile and offset. Width is the same, rolling diameter is the same too. At full lock either way the wheels are not touching anything, and I haven't had any sound other than the aforementioned one when the car goes over dips or bumps. Thanks for the input guys. Hopefully have her down to UAS shortly and get my mind at ease!
If the fault it with your left wheel bearing, then turning right will increase the noise (loading of LHS or vehicle) and the opposite when turning right. Noise can vary depending on deterioration of bearing. Would definitely be checking it, ideally BOTH sides before driving the car too much further. Collapsed wheel bearing can be extremely costly. eg- mother had a rear bearing collapse on a convertible at 100km/h, causing the rear LH quarter to lock up, spinning the car into and around on a guard rail.
Thanks for the input guys. I've decided to just ship the car down to UAS and get it sorted by the professionals. I couldn't bare (nor afford) to have the car with any serious damage again. Cheers!
before you ship it down there, it could be the bearing yes, but have you got standerd brakes or even uprated, if so then check the that the back plate behind the disc is not close to the disc, I had this on another car of mine, and when turning the weight was enough to cause the plate to contact the disc causing grinding as the plate is thin you can bend it out the way and try this before shipping, hope this helps out as wouldnt want to see you ship the car and spend loads on a simple fix, definatly worth trying first, all the best
You probably don't need to go that far to get it sorted. Rob from Endurance Automotive (Endurance Ave QBN) sorted out simply_mighty's issues. If it is suspension related, Inline in QBN is the best. Craig Hall Mechanical in Phillip also seems to be doing good work.
Hmmm... Something to check for sure. Like I said though, it sounds a lot more sturdy than just the cover for the disc. I'm fairly certain it's steering/suspension related. I'll check them out another time, but I've been to over 5 different mechanics in Canberra, all of whom have been shit and broken things (apart from Jake's Performance, which I can't seem to find a contact for any more). Where as with UAS, the car has always come back better than ever. So I'm more than happy to send my business their way.
Seconded Rob from Endurance - he's probably the best mechanic I've ever been to. Inline steering is probably the best for your problem though. Personally, I've heard mixed things about Jake, but his work is good and he recently fixed a few minor issues in my tune for me too. IB's link has his current contact details on and he's located in Mitchell. Sean
That's them, but I've tried calling the number listed on the website but it just rings out. I'll keep Endurance in mind for the future, but the car is well on the way to UAS. Thanks for the help gents.
