Drive Shaft / Axle?

[LookAtThatSHO]

Shit Happens Often - It's only been a week since I've replaced the radiator and water pump and already another problem! I've been noticing when turning to the right onto on ramps to the highway, there's a repetitive clanging noise coming from the driver's side front wheel. The noise stops when driving straight or when turning left. It's only when I am turning right. Does this sound like what I think it is?

 

[mclarida]

It is your starter. The gear is hitting your flywheel when you turn right. You got a bad starter(same thing happened to me that is why I know). Get another starter and it will solve your problem-
M

 

[SHO#7]

It is your starter. The gear is hitting your flywheel when you turn right. You got a bad starter(same thing happened to me that is why I know). Get another starter and it will solve your problem-
M

I can't say for sure that it is what you hear, but I have seen this more times than I care for. Some aftermarket units are very poorly built.

Mike

 

[LookAtThatSHO]

Seriously? A failing starter would make this kind of noise when turning the wheels? Wow, I really gotta get under the car and check things out to be sure...

 

[SHO#7]

Sitting still with the car not moving no. It should not. Sometimes the bendix will not return and it will sorta make a ring noise off of the flexplate. You should have make the force of gravity pull the bendix out though. Meaning it should not make it just sitting still turning the wheel to the right.

Dont know if that makes sense or not. I know what I want to say, just dont know how to say it.

Mike

 

[stangeater]

I can't believe the first thing somebody would think of is the starter???? Sounds like your CV joints need replaced. Starter????????? What the heck? CV joints only make a clanking noise when you turn........... straight down the road and you'll not hear them, turn and clank, clank, clank. If I were a betting man, I'd be willing to put money on your CV joints being bad..............let me know when you find out!

 

[SHO#7]

An axle does not make a clang noise. I would describe axle noise as a clicking around bends. That is why I mentioned a ringing noise associated with a bad bendix.

This is why it is very damn hard to determine noises, over the internet.

Mike

 

[stangeater]

My bad, clicking noise would be a better way to describe the CV joints going bad. Yes it is hard to determine noises over the internet. My money is still on the CV joints.

 

[mclarida]

Wierd but true-I thought it was my cv's as well. It turned out to be my starter. It only happened when I turned right(gear hitting the flywheel). I put my money on the starter. -M

 

[SonicRiot]

CVs generally click and grind at road speed and the noises or sensations are usually worse at the end of the travel. Inspect the boot for damage or tears or leaking grease.

Wheel bearings can also cause similar noises. Generally, a wheelbearing will make a noise just aft or on center all the way to lock. Jack the car up and spin the wheel and shake 'er up to check for play.

Good luck.

And yes, a starter is a weird first reply... definatley something that would not come to mind with this scenario, but this is why we have a forum with lots of memebers.

 

[LookAtThatSHO]

Not the axle

Thanks for the responses everyone. SonicRiot, you hit the nail on the head. Starter was fine :laugh_ti: , as well as the CV Joint / Boot. The result was a bad wheel bearing, which was causing the rotor to spin outward at an angle with the tire just enough to rub on the backing plate when turning to the right at speeds above 10 MPH. The crazy thing is, the factory rotors were still on this SHO at 140,000 miles! And the pads had maybe another 100 miles to them. Switched the pads / rotors, and will switch out the bearing this weekend. Thanks again for everyones' input!

 

[SonicRiot]

Glad you found the problem.