Grinding Noise when cornering

[frazer]

Hi all,

So just i this last week I've started getting this grinding noise coming from the nearside front wheel. It only happens when turing right (i.e. the weight is on the nearside).

Taken the wheel off. Removed caliper and pads to check for wear. Nothing really abnormal. A small lip on one pad. No other signs of recent friction i.e. raw metal.

Any ideas what it could be?

Reading some of the older posts with similar problems people suggest; ball joint (replaced both mine last year), stone jammed (none seen when taking off caliper and pads) or bearing (i've had them go on other vehicles and am used to the whirring then knocking noise not this distinct metal grinding)

If anyone's got some advice i'd be much appreciated as i've got a return trip from the french alps coming up just before crimbo and could do without any hicups.

cheers
Frazer

[MinorMatt]

on a mk5?

Either bottom ball joint (replace both!) or the power steering belt is loose

[frazer]

it's a 1999 LWB hightop 2.5 Di. not sure of the 'Mk'

Both ball joints replaced last year so i'd say it wasn't that

power steering belt? not heard that one before. would that not effect both sides? and why would a loose belt create a grinding noise?

[dodgy01]

look inside the wheel for signs of the back plate rubbing on it

[MinorMatt]

Trust me... it does!

[joinerman]

My money's on a wheel bearing FWIW

[frazer]

no signs of wear on the wheel or tyree itself when i took it off so that rules that out.

and MinorMatt I had both ball joints go on me last year so i recall the sound they made quite distinctly and this is very different. Not saying you're wrong, as i believe anything is possible (especially if you own a rusty old transit...) but my moneys on something else. I did read on another post that someone had a very similar sounding problem. ending up checking the bearing even though the sound is very much not like a bearing going sound and sure enough that solved it. So maybe for a few quid that's what i'll try.

cheers for your time though

[frazer]

just to update:

changed bearing but it appeared fine. All it turned out to be that the bearing was loose. tightened the retaining nut till there was no play, slipped on the crown then the split pin and bob's yer uncle! It seemed as there was play in the bearing it allowed the hub and disc to move and catch on edge of the pad causing the grinding.

cheers all for comments