Intermittent Grinding noise

[rexii66]

Hi y'all,
My 92 2.4 has developed a very odd trait since the snows a few weeks back. The front drivers side wheel makes a scratchy grinding noise which stops when I twitch the steering wheel. It only happens when I first set out in the mornings after a mile or so. almost like a stone has lodged between the brake disc and the pads. A quick left right on the steering wheel stops it and we're OK again. It only happens when its cold and not every morning although it seems to be getting more frequent. I've just passed a MOT so guessing my brakes are OK. Any ideas????

[rich]

Hi Rex,

The MOT test only tests the brakes they dont inspect them to see if they are worn. It may be that the pads are worn and a wear indicator is operating - they make a similar noise to that described.

You mention the snow the other week so I am thinking grit lodged in the calipers or something. Give the wheels and behind a good jetwash to see if it clears.

Best to take the wheel off and get your head in there

Regards

Rich.

[rexii66]

Thanx for that Rich, I didnt realise that pad wear wasnt tested in the MOT. That's probably the story then.. The MOT boys managed to get me on the steering idler arm which they reconed wasnt really dangerous & not really that much of a problem but needed a new one anyway. Bye Bye Xmas bonus. but they dont check brake wear!!??? Seems crazy to me..anyway,I guess I'll have to get the overalls on again tomorrow.
Thanx again

[rich]

They just put it on a rolling road and check the braking pressure is up to standard and balanced.

Rich.

[kitesurf_phil]

Nice to see another Bedfordshire Surfer, Rex. Wonder if its you I have seen occasionally along Bramingham Rd? Best colour truck too!

[TonyN]

but they dont check brake wear!!??? Seems crazy to me..anyway,I guess I'll have to get the overalls on again tomorrow.
Thanx again

Not really, they check they work, thats all. Maintaining them is up to you.

[rexii66]

possibly seen me up there Phil, but only driving by, I'm parked over the South side of town near Stockwood Pk and commute to Watford every day via slip end. (M1 in the mornings scares the hell out of me as I sit there watching the temp gauge. I have a bad case of 2.4 anxiety) Might see ya up the Downs one day. I presume you go there. I've got a 4 mtre Quad Line in the boot that I get out when its not too windy. Now that thing is scary!!!

Tony, Thanks for your comment, you are of course, Dead Right. Having driven plastic and Aluminum cars for so long prior to getting the Surf and relying on Joe Mechanic to sort everything for me, I've become a bit complacent regards Maintenance. Still.... wouldnt go back.. Love ma truck!!

[TonyN]

Still.... wouldnt go back.. Love ma truck!!

Do that to you, don't they!

[Ems and Jim]

Hi Rex,

I have exactly the same sort of grindy / clanky noise from my truck... change wheelbearing, retightened wheelbearings, moved wheels front to back, checked brakes, pads, bearings (again) and its STILL THERE!!!!!! The garage (who have no idea really, about ANYTHING) reckon'd it could be a cv joint on the front wearing out. So I tried full locking the car (whilst cold & grinding) in a circle and heard the tinniest clicking noise.....so maybe ?

I reckon I'll turn the stereo up until it gets to be a permanent thing, then I might be able to find it !

Welcome to the forum, fellow foreigner in Bedfordshire !