Thread: Metallic grinding from the front all of a sudden.

I have a grinding sound from the front end that just magically appeared this morning. The oldest part that is in the front suspension is only 2 years old at the oldest. About 2 years ago I replaced the passenger side axle, wheel bearing, and both tie rods. These past two weekends I've replaced the driver side wheel bearing, tie rod, and both control arms. Driver side axle and the front brake pads/rotors are about a year old as well. What I've done so far is make sure that everything is tight and it it, nothing is rubbing, and I've seen if there is movement in the wheels while off the ground and there isn't. I'm not feeling anything in the brakes or steering either. The weird thing is when I took the tires off tonight to look at everything and put them back on the sound is still there but not nearly as bad. Both tires were nice and tight so it wasn't loose lugs. The sound goes away when braking as far as I can tell. I've checked EVERY bolt in the front suspension/brakes/drivetrain. Does anyone have any bright ideas since I've gone over all the bases I can think of and I got nothing.

Did you check and make sure your inside brake pad is ok?

I had them off yesterday and they look just fine. Nice even wear and plenty of life.

wheel bearing is my guess. Esp if you didnt get Timkens and went with a cheap replacement

I did go with a Timken on the driver side and the passenger is a Napa bearing. The old stock driver side bearing had all sorts of play in it.

BTW never go with the "economy" bearings from Napa. I went through 2 in 3 weeks when the manager there at the time I knew gave me their premium one and haven't had any problems with it since.

What has me irked is that this noise shows up after I have the suspension apart yesterday.

Did you bend the dust shield? I've done that before.

I checked that as well. I don't remember what happened to the one on the driverside but its not there anymore. The passengerside one is fine.

Well whatever it was has gone away. Hopefully nothing was an issue and won't bite me in the ass later.