grinding noise...

[akanrg]

Hello

I have a 97 Buick LeSabre custom (106k) that emenate a strange grinding noise when I turn the wheel on short steering i.e trying to park. It's not the usual CV joint clunk (when they go) and I don't hear it when I'm driving around doing the usual turns. Also, there's an occasional buzz coming from the dash board, near the stereo and passenger side air bag area during acceleration, it's more off than on but still, it makes me wonder.
Any thoughts?

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by akanrg

Hello

I have a 97 Buick LeSabre custom (106k) that emenate a strange grinding noise when I turn the wheel on short steering i.e trying to park. It's not the usual CV joint clunk (when they go) and I don't hear it when I'm driving around doing the usual turns. Also, there's an occasional buzz coming from the dash board, near the stereo and passenger side air bag area during acceleration, it's more off than on but still, it makes me wonder.
Any thoughts?

Hello

Is the grinding noise just when you turn the steering wheel or when the steering wheel is turned and you are moving?

I'm thinking that it's either your brakes or a wheel bearing. Do you hear the noise at higher speeds? Can you make the noise come and go while driving by turning the wheel slightly? If this is so it may be the wheel bearing.

Post back with what you can answer.


Regards

Dan

[akanrg]

Hi Dan,

I don't hear any noise when I'm driving around i.e city or highway driving, fast or slow. It seems to happen when the car is cold and not moving or on short, sharp turns like trying to back into or out of a parking spot.
Thanks for the reply and happy holidays,
Matt

[cheesep]

It's likely the bearing caps on top of the front struts have dried out and are groaning as you turn. You only hear it at a standstill or at very low speed when there is not a lot of other driving noise. They probably only cost $30-$40 per side to purchase but you have to remove the struts to replace them.

I had mine replaced (94 LeSabre) about 5 years ago and I just recently replaced them again when I did the front struts. I think next time mine start groaning I'm going to try to just get some grease into them using a grease needle but I don't know if I can reach.

[akanrg]

Originally Posted by cheesep

It's likely the bearing caps on top of the front struts have dried out and are groaning as you turn. You only hear it at a standstill or at very low speed when there is not a lot of other driving noise. They probably only cost $30-$40 per side to purchase but you have to remove the struts to replace them.

I had mine replaced (94 LeSabre) about 5 years ago and I just recently replaced them again when I did the front struts. I think next time mine start groaning I'm going to try to just get some grease into them using a grease needle but I don't know if I can reach.

Thanks for the reply cheesep, I'll have my mechanic check it out Tuesday. While we're on the subject of grease, how would you go about silencing squeaky brake pedal?

Happy holidays,
Matt

[cheesep]

It would be really awkward to actually get grease up into there. I would just spray WD40 through the thin straw and try to get it on the linkage where the booster connects, where the brake light switch moves in and out, and way up where the pedal is actually connected.

Good luck!

[akanrg]

I'll give it a try. Would I have to crawl under the steering wheel near the pedal to be able to reach that area?

Regards,
Matt

[cheesep]

Yup, get a flashlight, move the seat back as far as it will go to give you more room and keep a rag handy to catch any drips or overspray.

[akanrg]

I guess it's better than paying than paying a some mechanic $75 to do the same thing.

So has your 94 Lesabre given you any serious i.e expensive problems through the years? How many K's does it have?
Matt

[gentlemanjak]

A quick thing to check would be the power steering fluid level. When the level is low the pump will give you a grinding type sound when the wheel is turned, especially at low speed due to increased load on the steering system.

[akanrg]

the power steering fluid level is fine

[cheesep]

Originally Posted by akanrg

I guess it's better than paying than paying a some mechanic $75 to do the same thing.

So has your 94 Lesabre given you any serious i.e expensive problems through the years? How many K's does it have?
Matt

Bought it June 97 with 56k's. Now has 233k. It's been a fabulously reliable overly comfortable long distance traveller. No expensive problems that I would call unusual for a GM. Two alternators, one starter, both rear brake slave cylinders. Recently replaced both front hub and bearing assemblies, both lower ball joints, one drive axle and both front struts. Regular maintenance of course, oil changes, brake pads, transmission flush and filter, cooling system flush.

Now that the front end is all quiet and straight I can hear the hubs at the rear and feel also that the rear struts should be replaced. Great car! It just needs a little more TLC these days with all those k's.

[akanrg]

So the grinding (groaning) noise problem was finaly solved.

Turned out my 2 front ball joints were gone and since my safety certificate has not expired yet they were replaced for free by the used car dealer who sold me the car. Talk about saving $500 at least.

Anyway, thanks for your help, I appreciate it.

BTW, did your buick ever suffered that (much discussed) intake manifold plastic cover problem?

Matt

[cheesep]

Hey great news on the groaning fix. Funny I've never actually heard ball joints grind or groan. Good thing to watch out for. . .

No intake manifold leak. In fact none of the trouble spots listed in the following link have shown up in mine.

http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/U...ewreliability/

[akanrg]

Is your Lesabre Custom or Limited? Is there much difference between the 94's and the 97's? Also, I find that I get a slight motion sickness driving this car! Is this normal? I've only had it for 2 weeks.
Matt