grinding noise from front left...ideas?

[E21_Ross]

Hi guys,

about 1 week ago my car decided to develop a grinding noise from the front left wheel area when turning quite hard to the right. suspension doesn't knock at all when going over bumps and doesn't handle any different. i'm wondering whether something like the shield for the brakes has bent some how and is catching the top of the disk...???

car has been lowered, had the wheels changed as is having to wear some spacers, however, this was all done ages ago and can't see why it'd suddenly change and cause this. going to get the wheel off later and have a look but wouldn't mind some ideas from you helpful chaps to get more ideas about what to actually be looking for!

cheers

Ross

[Monkeylegend]

Possibly a wheel bearing on the way out?

[E21_Ross]

Monkeylegend said:

Possibly a wheel bearing on the way out?

maybe, only happens when turning right, the more lock on the steering the worse it is. doesn't happen when driving in a straight line...

thanks again mate, much appreciated

[P I Staker]

Jack up that corner and turn the wheel and listen for the noise, also put your hands either side and feel for any movement. If its rough and rumbles when you turn it its probably the bearing.

[Mooster]

Some cars have steering lock stops, which can wear down or fall off, causing the wheel to rub the wheelarch liner on full lock. My V70 is doing this at the moment on full left lock. Not sure if it applies to your car though?

[E21_Ross]

Mooster said:

Some cars have steering lock stops, which can wear down or fall off, causing the wheel to rub the wheelarch liner on full lock. My V70 is doing this at the moment on full left lock. Not sure if it applies to your car though?

doubt it because whilst it does happen on full lock, it does also happen when not on full lock. will jack the car up later and have a look. just hope it's nothing too expensive or hard to get hold of!!

edit - just spoke to my mate who is a BMW mechanic and has worked on plenty of E21s including my own reckons it's probably the dust cover which may have rusted through, bent, or other and is catching the back of the disk....?

will have a little looksie later if the weather brightens up. though it really ought to be done. grinding noises are never a good thing!!

Edited by E21_Ross on Friday 26th August 13:13