Bad noise while turning left.

Hi Guys. Hopefully someone can help.

1999 Intrigue, 3.5L. I've developed a loud noise when i turn left. At first, you could only hear it at full left lock. But it is loud enough now that if you start turning from right lock to the left, you will hear it before you get to left lock.

As for describing the sound, it really sounds like a tire rubbing. You hear it at an interval like a rotating tire hitting something. But it's not the tire. I've had it up on jacks, but the sound doesn't happen then. CV boots are ok, no obvious mechanical defects from that inspection.

Quickie description point-list:
- noise when turning wheel in left-hand direction
- doesn't happen when there is no load on tires
- CV boots ok
- sound occurs an a regular interval and increases with speed.
- tire is not rubbing
- power steering reservoir is full, fluid is clear
- happens in any gear, forward or reverse, even neutral.
- happens at even a 45° turn of the steering-wheel towards the left.

Any suggestions?

Also, how do you bleed the steering?

Andy

at what speeds? more when just rolling slowly? my first guess would be a CV joint - a good tech would be able to recognize CV noise right away - what's the mileage?

Hi Andy
wow, hard one. You seem to have checked exhaustedly, but every time I have had a similar sound/feel it has been the tire coming in contact with a splash guard inside the inner wheel well.

With that said, have you checked torque on the spindle nut on the end of the CV shaft? I would think you would have some vibration but make sure that guy is tight. I did have one work loose on another vehicle and ultimately trashed the wheel bearing and hub (separate parts on that vehicle).

As to CV noise: typical is "clackety, clackety...." while cornering, and generally quiet when straight and level.

Have you done the classic wheel bearing check? On jacks, attempt to move the wheel with hands at 9 and 3, then again at 12 and 6 looking for play. Wheel bearings are expensive on these beasts, but I would lean that way if forced to guess at this point - grinding when loaded up. But don't just jump into that on my hunch :)

Lastly, I too have a '99. It had the original Goodyears on it when I bought it at 16000 miles. I chased noises all over the place initially focusing on the brake system, then cv, then wheel bearings (not replacing mind you, but checking, wondering...) It all went away when I changed the tires and got the Goodyears off of there. So, perhaps pull that right front and very carefully roll it and check the tread. At 46K I had delamination - there was a distinct distortion in the tread as I rotated the tire. i.e. if I followed a tread channel while rotating the tire, it moved left to right.

Good Luck

Hey guys, thanks for the replies.

I think i've found it. I was taking another look at things yesterday. And i noticed a fairly distinct rub on the right-hand brake rotor. If you move you fingernail over the rotor you can feel it. It's smooth everywhere else and on the left side. I think i may have a bend brake caliper piston.

I'm going to take it apart and find out for sure.

What tipped me off is after some aggressive braking, the noise didn't occur for a little while after.

Andy