Grinding/stuck noise and check engine light?

[byrnes321]

I'm hoping someone can help me figure out what's wrong. I have a 2000 Cavalier w/ about 76,000 miles. On my way to work this morning, my check engine light came on and I noticed when I either braked, turned or accelerated I heard a grinding noise like something was sticking. Does anyone have any ideas what the noise is, and is that what is causing my check engine light to come on? Thanks!

[richtazz]

you probably have a hub bearing going bad, and the check engine light came on due to the wheel speed sensor indicating different wheel speeds, which will trigger a traction control code

[byrnes321]

Any ideas how much this may cost to get fixed?

[richtazz]

The part should cost less than $100, the labor shouldn't exceed $100 or so either. IF you can do a brake job, you can replace a hub bearing. Get a repair manual and save yourself the labor cost. You'll need a 30mm axle socket (you can rent this for free at Auto Zone) and a t-55 torx to remove the hub from the spindle.

[byrnes321]

Okay, now I feel like a real dummy. I had a friend look at the car last night, and lo and behold, the check engine light came on because my gas cap wasn't on properly. The grinding/stuck noise (which I never heard before) was my roters getting ground to a pulp.

Thank goodness it wasn't a bearing or something!

~Jessica