Strange metallic grinding sound

[fanatic26]

I just purchased a 1990 Laser RS and im just getting to know the car. One of my main concerns is that when I free rev or putt around town at low RPM I hear a whining/metallic grinding sound coming from the driver side of the motor. It reminds me of having a bad throwout bearing but the grind happens when in neutral, in gear, and with the clutch depressed. I can free rev the motor to about 4k and it is very noticable if I am near a building. The previous owner claims he replaced the timing belt, and all associated pullys under 5000 miles ago, but to be honest, thats one of the only things I can think of causing the sound. I am hoping this is something not life threatening to the motor as the car was purchased with the intention of it being my daily driver.


Thanks in advance,

Geo

 

[MrBoxx]

First thing I would check is the turbo for shaft play. If the compressor wheel is hitting the side of the compressor housing, it can sound like metal scraping metal, and at higher speeds, can sound like a whining noise.

 

[DiamondStarM]

If you dont have brake wear indicators and you wear the pads down significantly the rotor will drag along the inside of the pad and sound like you described.

 

[fanatic26]

If you dont have brake wear indicators and you wear the pads down significantly the rotor will drag along the inside of the pad and sound like you described.

this problem happens at idle as well and when I free rev the engine, im pretty sure that rules out the brakes. I will check the turbo for shaft play when I get home, it didnt sound like it was coming from the turbo but ya never know. If it is the turbo thats no biggie, my starion buddies have TD05's of all shapes and sizes layin around at the shop

 

[DiamondStarM]

Sorry I didnt read that part, yea shaftplay might be what youre looking at.

 

[fanatic26]

Turned out that it was none of the above. I took her out for a road test. Figured beat on it a lil the first night and see if anything was gonna break. Some dumbass in a civic hatch was revvin all over me so I punched it in first, tach hit just about 6200 and *pop* all the dummy lights came on. I shut her down, get off the road and pop the hood. I have my friend start it and watch sparks fly out all over the place from the alternator. So tomorrow I get to put another one in, weather permitting. I am just glad it happened now and not on my way to work!