Grinding noise from front when when turning

[timski]

Hi Guys,

I'd noticed a slight grinding noise when turning left from front nearside wheel in the last few weeks. On the way to the campsite today its become more noticeable. From a few searches on here it sounded like it might be the wheel bearing. I jacked up the front nearside and spun the wheel. Bit of grinding sound. Gripped both sides of wheel and gave it a wobble. There's a little bit of play. Maybe a millilitre. I did the same for the offside to get a comparison as it's the first time I've done this check. Bit of a grinding sound when spun but no play. So first question. Does it sound like wheel bearing? And second. Is it safe to drive home (1.5 hours away).
Thanks,
Tim

[a1winchester]

Is it when you are on a tight lock? I had a grinding noise on my AS and found it was the water tank filler hose rubbing on the tyre. A couple of cable ties sorted it.

[kevtherev]

yes most likely.
or a brake disc shroud.

not a wheel bearing, they drone or rumble

jack the wheel up on full lock and spin it

[timski]

There is definitely a bit of play although only about a millimetre on the nearside wheel. The offside wheel doesn't have any play. Would that not suggest a wheel bearing. Or can other things be the cause of that?

Another question, just for my understanding. When you spin a wheel when it's up on the jack, would you expect there to be a slight rubbing sound? Or should it spin more or less silently?

Thanks,
Tim.

[IndigoSteve]

Having just had a wheel bearing go pop I'd say they should be changed if you can't find anything obvious from the comments above (brake shroud etc) you should have some play in the wheel and its described by some as barely perceptible. I have no idea what that means .... But it may be that the play on one of your wheels is as it should be.

I recently changed my wheel bearings and it wasn't too bad a job.

One obvious sign that they were going was oil/grease stains on the wheel and a lot of heat after a drive coming from behind the wheel .


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[kevtherev]

There is definitely a bit of play although only about a millimetre on the nearside wheel. The offside wheel doesn't have any play. Would that not suggest a wheel bearing. Or can other things be the cause of that?

Another question, just for my understanding. When you spin a wheel when it's up on the jack, would you expect there to be a slight rubbing sound? Or should it spin more or less silently?

Thanks,
Tim.

The discs are in constant contact with the pads

[timski]

Thanks for all the tips.

I dropped the van at the garage and asked them to check it over. They couldn't reproduce the sound but said there was a little bit too much play that they managed to reduce by repacking the bearing (not sure if that is the exact wording he used) and I've not heard the sound since. He said the bearings were fine but if there is too much play that can disturb the brake pads and lead to a rubbing sound. So fingers crossed the issue is resolved.

When they were investigating they did notice there was a bit of excessive play in the track rod tie so suggested replacing that. What would the symptoms of that be? I've noticed the steering wheel seems a bit wobblier if I go over bumps just recently. Almost as though it is a bit loose. Is that a sign of that?

Cheers,
Tim.

[kevtherev]

"Repacking the bearing" means they filled it with more grease.
It takes less time to actually adjust them.
There has to be some play in the bearing, do they know this?

A worn track rod end would have to be seriously loose in the socket for you to notice.

[timski]

Thanks Kev. Actually he might have set reset, or reseat, the bearing.

With regards to the track rod end, how can I check to see if there is play?

[kevtherev]

Thanks Kev. Actually he might have set reset, or reseat, the bearing.

With regards to the track rod end, how can I check to see if there is play?

Get an assistant to rock the steering slightly.
While you observe the joint
There should be no movement of the steering arm without a corresponding movement of the hub

[timski]

Thanks Kev!