amcor

I hope this isn't a dumb question, but I've done a lot of searching and haven't been able to find my exact problem, or at least not a satisfactory answer to it.

When I turn the steering wheel about one revolution to the left, I hear a grinding noise that sounds like metal on metal. It sounds like it's coming from the front driver side wheel well area. If I turn it further, it stops. The grinding noise will show up even more and not exclusively in that one spot on the wheel if I turn with the left tire over a bump.

Basically, I'm wondering what is going on, if it's safe to drive, and how I can fix it. From other threads I have read, I am hoping that lubrication will fix it, but I'm not entirely sure what to lubricate.

Thanks in advance.

StewsRunner

iTrader: (1)

is it grinding or more of a tension thing? if it's more of a tension thing i would check your power steering level. .

BigBluePile

iTrader: (3)

Steering stops?

amcor

I've checked the power steering and it seems to be fine. It definitely sounds like metal on metal, but only when steering left. Once in a while it sounds worse and kind of pops.

I don't think it is the steering stops because it happens when I don't have the wheel fully to the left.

cubuff4runner

I would check your bearings.

djfell80

Definitely sounds like bearings to me! Fix it soon so it doesnt damage more than just a bearing.

amcor

So do I check the bearings by putting it on a jack and seeing if the wheel has any play or makes noise when I spin it? I think there is a very faint scraping when I am driving, but it's so faint that I can't decide if I'm hearing things or not.

Stuman

What did your problem end up being?
I know this is an old thread, but thought I would try, I am having exactly the same issue.
Steering pump was recently drained and refilled, but it shows normal level now.

Thanks

75w90mantraN

http://www.dummies.com/home-garden/c...heel-bearings/

I'd spin the suspected wheel at whatever point in the steering to check. Not a big fan of the grab-and-shake-the-wheel. Grinding could be the bearings, or any misaligned component in the steering knuckle/suspension assembly in contact with the hub/rotor/wheel.

Could also be brake pads/rotors if the pistons aren't retracting or even bent brake dust shields over the caliper/wheel, though with these, it be more noticeable with any forward/backward movement.

If its the power steering, there'd be a screeching noise with turning of the wheels while the engine is running. I used to have that noise mod.