A1 Noise When Reversing

[mrploppy]

I suddenly have the strangest noise when reversing in my A1. Yesterday, I pulled in to a supermarket parking space slightly not straight, so I went to straighten up. I reversed for maybe a yard or so and had this awful noise, as if my exhaust was dragging on the floor - or I was dragging an empty coke can on a piece of string (sorry, but not sure how else to describe it). Gave up trying to reverse and decided to go forward only. It's quieter in forward gears but something's not right - I don't think it's completely silent. I drove home very gingerly. There was also a spring type of noise when I got out of the car (not sure if that's a new noise). It drove fine on the way to the supermarket but there were a couple of speed bumps on the way into the car park so I'm wondering of going over those did something. The car's only 4 years old so I hope it's nothing major. I'm not sure if I should even drive it at the moment - and typical, it's bank holiday so garages are unlikely to be open tomorrow. Any suggestions as to what I could look at before taking to a garage? I don't have ramps or anything so getting under the car would be a challenge. Thanks.

[stevemcs]

Does it sit level at the front ? Has it broken a coil spring ?

[mrploppy]

Thanks. I'll have a good look in a bit. I did try bouncing the car when I got home and it seemed OK - but I'm never quite sure what I'm looking for when I do that!

Edited by mrploppy on Sunday 2nd May 08:56

[mrploppy]

I've had a look - as much as I can - and there seems to be no obvious cracks or splits in the coil springs. And as far as I can tell the car seems to be sitting level. But when I bounce on the driver's side front wing there's a definite rattle. It's hard to tell if it's coming from the spring area or from the wheel/brake assembly.

[mrploppy]

I know a little more now although I haven't driven the car since the problem started. Our driveway is sloped so I can let it roll back (with the engine on so that the brakes work). Rolling down the slope in neutral, and then braking, there is a definite rubbing and slight squeal from the front driver's side - the side that I'm suspicious about. At least that's what's my trusty assistant reported when I asked her to listen. So I'm now more inclined to think it's to do with the front brake than the suspension. I can't really take the wheel off because I can't jack the car up on our sloping driveway. Anything I could check with the wheel still on? Failing that I'll have to wait for the garages to open tomorrow.

[Trevor555]

As already said, could be a spring.

Difficult to spot if they're broken at the bottom.

Or a stone caught in the caliper?

Have you driven on loose gravel recently?

[mrploppy]

Trevor555 said:

As already said, could be a spring.

Difficult to spot if they're broken at the bottom.

Or a stone caught in the caliper?

Have you driven on loose gravel recently?

If it wasn't chucking it down with rain, I'd go and have a feel around the caliper - and also take my phone to try and take photos around there. Doesn't look like stopping today though. A stone in the caliper sounds very plausible. I haven't knowingly driven over gravel but there's plenty of loose stones and chippings around the place. I just watched a video on youtube of someone who had a grinding noise when reversing - didn't happen when driving forward. Turned out to be a little stone.

[mrploppy]

Update. As I was driving to the garage this morning it was sounding particularly rough when braking and turning the steering wheel. After about half a mile I could no longer hear anything. Had the garage check but no obvious problems. The car is driving fine now. I will have to assume for now that it was a stone or something that's eventually worked its way out. Thanks for the suggestions.

[Dr G]

Trevor555 said:

Or a stone caught in the caliper?

From description I thought the same, and given how suddenly it stopped is most likely.