curious sound

[fricker66]

I know it's difficult to accurately diagnose 'sounds' on the forum but I noticed a strange sound driving in to work today. It's a speed sensitive 'rubbing' sound coming from the front. Here's the weird part, I can't hear the noise if the windows down. The noise seems to be coming up from the foot well. It's not really a pronounced 'click' but sounds more like a rubbing/friction induced noise. My first thought is CV joint but wouldn't I hear that more from the outside? About 40k ago, my passenger CV boot tore and spread grease all over the wheel well liner. I checked for this when I got to work but the liner is clean. Sounds seems to be most noticeable around 30-40 mph and is independent of engine rpms. Any speculation is appreciated! Thanks.

 

[twr]

I had a similar noise that eminated through the floor board of my 95 - turned out to be a wheel bearing.
Terry

 

[sdpatt]

Frederick,

Check the brake rotor dust shield to make sure it is not rubbing against the rotor. Are you noticing any pulsations during braking? that could be the pad rhythmically rubbing against the rotor too. Have you visually inspected the CV joint boots? You can see cracks in them long before you find brease in the fenderwell. However, CV joint boots don't usually make ant noise when the fail. The last item to check is the wheel bearings as mentioned before. With the tire raised off the ground, try to change the camber of the wheel with your hands. There should be no play in the bearings.

 

[fricker66]

Thanks guys. Scott your comments reminded me that I had pulled the front driver's wheel this past Sunday to check the brakes. I haven't been noticing anything to warrant a change of pads but I know they haven't been replaced in the past 40k miles, at least. On Sunday I pulled the wheel but realized I didn't have the proper size torx driver to pull the caliper. What size do I need? I'll be sure to check for what was mentioned. I do visually check the CV boots during each oil change. (There was no noise when the other one tore, just a bunch of grease to clean up.) Thanks again guys, your help is why this forum is so great! Keeps my trips to the mechanic at a minimum. My wife and wallet thank you.

 

[Darkside]

Fred, it sounds like your problem might be something easier and worth a look. You said you can't hear the noise with the windows down, maybe its comimg from inside. The speedometer cable is notorious for making noise when its going bad. It comes from the area you speak of and sounds like a rubbing and clicking noise. Good luck.

 

[sdpatt]

Speedometer cable. I'll bet 94ShoOff nailed it. Wish I'd thought of that.

Scott