Grinding in turns

[XiKeiyaZI]

Hey guys, I just got my project up and running, and have been driving it for a few weeks now. She runs and responds good (especially with the exhaust welded up) and everything seems to be in working order save for one thing.

When I am, say, pulling off of one street to another, there is a VERY obvious grinding noise coming from the engine bay. It feels like it is near my feet. I've checked my Tranny and other things, and it doesn't seem to be the issue. I thought I had figured it out when I noticed that the brake mechanism that runs from the brake line to the little contraption that bolts onto the shock had fallen off. I re-mounted it and everything, thinking that maybe it was the source of the sound. but now, it's doing it again.

I have NO idea what this could be. What I do know, is that if I stop accelerating, the grinding becomes louder. If I then hit my brake, the car jerks to the right a bit, the grinding goes away, and all is well.

Could this be a brake issue? I've had a ton of problems bleeding the brakes, and I'm not even sure they are correct atm. =/ Any help guys?

 

[99gst214]

It would help everyone if you updated your profile! What upgrades do you have done to the car? Does this "grinding noise" happen whenever you turn the vehicle both directions? Or does the grinding noise start after the turn is completed and you are goin straight? At what speeds does this happen at? Any time you get a vibration or feeling from you feet or the steering wheel, that indicates that your problem is from the front end. Have you jacked the car up to see if there is any play in the suspension?

 

[XiKeiyaZI]

Hahah! Yeah, I need to do that, just don't have a ton of time online. ;P

Anyway, it usually happens when I am pulling from a stop. And it doesn't matter which direction I'm turning. Sometimes it doesn't, sometimes it does. =/ I'm not too great with suspension matters, here would you suggest I start if I were to crawl under and look?

As far as upgrades, nothing besides a Pacesetter exhaust which was just to replace the old cracked one.

If it helps, this was from a 1.8 - 2.0 swap.

 

[99gst214]

Take a jack and lift the car up in the front. try to lift up on the lower control arm or as close as you can get to it. This is so the suspension stays compressed. Then shake the tire from side to side and up and down. Do this in a very soft way, just to feel for loose parts. Also turn the wheels both way and spin them to simulate the action you do when driving, which causes the grinding. A grinding noise like that almost seems more like an axle related issue. But the problem of the vehicle jerking when hitting the brakes, is normally a bad calliper. If you can't find anything I would just take it to a shop with a lift and ask them to do a front end inspection. Most of the time these inspections are free. Try everything you can to find something and let us know. Also check for any leaks. Such as power steering or transmission lines.

 

[XiKeiyaZI]

I jacked the car up and crawled underneath it. I addressed a leaking boot on my driver-side axel hoping that may have been it. Turns out it wasn't. I realized that the grinding happens more frequently after stopping and taking off at low speed. I attempted bleeding my brakes and come to find out that I can blled the brakes fine with the car off, but as soon as I start the car, the pedal is very soft whereas it is nice and stiff before starting.

So I'm thinking it has something to do with the way I'm bleeding these brakes. Any suggestions?

 

[XiKeiyaZI]

I stand 100% corrected! Here was the issue!

I crawleed under the car again to just recheck everything, and noticed something pretty scary. My driver side axle was NOT locked in. I popped it in place, gave it a little tug, and POP, right back out. Checking the splines at the very end, I noticed a little wear. The circular ring around the end was pressed all the way in against the axle.

I used, ironically, a steak knife the bend the piece out a bit as I know that it is used to lock the axle in, popped the axle back in, and CLICK. I then tried to tug on the axle and was pleased when it held. Since then, I've driven the car maybe 30 miles and NOT A SINGLE GRIND. I am taking turns easily until I am convinced that the axle will stay in place.

I was scared over this because I had lost about a quart or more of tranny fluid. I think, luckily, I caught this before I caused irreversible damage to the transmission. I took this time to drain what was left of the old fluid and filled it with a mixture of 70/30 Synchromesh and ProX. This thing shifts GREAT now.

Just thought I would post this up for anyone who may have the same issue in the future.