Front end noise?

[AtlantaBoxster]

Having heard some noises on my car that are dependent on speed (almost scrapping like but not necessarily and become slower when at lower speeds), I did the push/pull test at 3 and 9 o'clock and 6 and 12 o'clock on both the front wheels. Turns out I have play in the driver's side wheel when doing the push/pull at 3 and 9 but not 6 and 12. I like to do all the work on the car myself. If you have any advice on what I should look into in more detail, I would appreciate it.

Thank you.

[landrovered]

I would look at the driver's side wheel bearing first and go from there.

[AtlantaBoxster]

Originally Posted by landrovered

I would look at the driver's side wheel bearing first and go from there.

I did consider that but wouldn't a bearing issue also cause play at 6 and 12? The sound I hear when doing the push/pull at 3/9 seems to come from a bit further back as well. Any thoughts?

[landrovered]

The sound suggests bearings...scraping noise in sync with the wheel turning. Start with the obvious , it will save you time and money. New type sealed bearings do not wiggle like the old ones when they crap out.

Does it change when you swerve left or right? If yes then it is likely a bearing.

If not... then is one of your brake calipers stuck? Are your brake pads worn to the metal? Are your brakes secured properly? Are any bolts loose or missing, are the clips on properly holding the pads?

If not then are your bushings worn out?

If not then are your tie rod ends worn out?

If not then is your power steering fluid topped off?

If not are your tires out of round or worn unevenly?

There are only so many issues it can be. You just have to investigate them one by one and assume nothing, then you go to the other wheel and do the same thing. It could be a bad bushing on one side causing the play and a bad bearing on the other causing a noise. You just have to find it.

[AtlantaBoxster]

Originally Posted by landrovered

The sound suggests bearings...scraping noise in sync with the wheel turning. Start with the obvious , it will save you time and money. New type sealed bearings do not wiggle like the old ones when they crap out.

Does it change when you swerve left or right? If yes then it is likely a bearing.

If not... then is one of your brake calipers stuck? Are your brake pads worn to the metal? Are your brakes secured properly? Are any bolts loose or missing, are the clips on properly holding the pads?

If not then are your bushings worn out?

If not then are your tie rod ends worn out?

If not then is your power steering fluid topped off?

If not are your tires out of round or worn unevenly?

There are only so many issues it can be. You just have to investigate them one by one and assume nothing, then you go to the other wheel and do the same thing. It could be a bad bushing on one side causing the play and a bad bearing on the other causing a noise. You just have to find it.

Noise is somewhat in sync with wheels turning. Goes up in frequency as speed increases. Problem did start after returning from 2 week trip where car sat in garage. Thought initially it was reduced pressure in tires. I'll check the items you mentioned one by one.

No change in noise with swerving right or left. Brakes in good order. Need to check on bushings and tie rod ends. Something is loose when I do push/pull test at 3/9.

[landrovered]

Check for debris that could be lodged around the brakes like small pebbles or twigs. They can get thrown into weird places and make noise as well.

[Jayson]

Bought my car in Feb this year for my 55th b-day, figured have some fun before I get to old to enjoy it. Started driving it more that the weather is nice. I was noticing a front end noise and was ready to take it to the shop after reading some of the comments, but I looked for anything that might be loose. Turned out to be the front license plate had only the top two screws. Got some rubber spacers and screwed in two at the bottom, rattle is gone. Whohooooo