Groaning / grinding noises?

[Spokey]

My squeeze lives down the end of a long lane that has really vicious sleeping policemen - they aren't very high, but they're very steep, if you know what I mean.

Anyway, today, after braving them (and I took them extra slowly today as well!), I noticed a sort of grinding sensation I could hear and feel through the steering. When you dab hard on the brakes, it goes away, apart from a very faint chirping noise. It feels almost like the disk is severely warped at one spot and it's catching there (although I'm fairly certain this isn't actually the problem!)

Slightly more worrying is that since this started happening, when I turn the wheel to the right (for instance, to drive into a parking space) I can feel a much stronger, not-dependent-on-rotation groan.

I'm crapping myself over here. Does anyone have any ideas on what the problem might be, and am I OK to drive the car to the dealer?

[shimmy]

second part sounds a bit like wheel bearing but who knows

well doen though for running over a few of the Babylon

[3wheels3]

Would just like to say something silly. Could it be backing plate?

[Spokey]

Originally Posted by 3wheels3

Would just like to say something silly. Could it be backing plate?

Backing plate of what?

[NZ_M3]

Originally Posted by Spokey

Backing plate of what?

I think he meant the brake dust shield .. might be bent and touching the brake disc.


The groaning sound from turning the steering wheel can be a few things:

1. the top hat bearing or rubber mount (there's a slight twist in the rubber mount if it isn't seated correctly on the top hat - I had this and it took me a while to diagnose it)

2. The swaybar D bushing might be really dried out - when you move the steering from left to right the sway bar has a very slight twist - this twisting action can cause a rubbing noise in the D bushings. Put some graphite powder on it - it'll stop it groaning.

3. Parts 7 & 8 in the picture below can sometimes cause this noise when you turn the steering wheel - again lubricate.

[Spokey]

Fantastic thanks!

I'll risk it till I can get it to my regular dealer!