Q: Loud grinding noise coming from front of the car.

asked by on January 11, 2016

I all of a sudden heard a very loud grinding noise, like metal on metal, originating from the left front tire. The noise was not associated with pressing the brakes.

Car is making a noise Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Wheel Bearings Replacement $110.89 - $591.42 Get a Quote

This could possibly be a wheel bearing failure. Wheel bearings can go dry causing a grinding or growling noise when the wheels are spinning. I would recommend having your suspension system inspected for any play or faulty parts. When wheel bearings go dry they will eventually develop free play. When this free play develops the vehicle becomes unsafe as well as annoying to drive. Have this suggestion confirmed by a professional from YourMechanic. If the wheel bearing has play or is the cause of the loud noise have it replaced as soon as possible in order to keep your vehicle in a safe driving condition.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Engine misfiring and giving a code P0302.
It sounds like you could have a bad coil pack. Have a technician replace the spark plug wires (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-cable-spark-plug-wires-replacement) and test the coil packs.
Tire tread wear
Hello there. Tires need to be rotated to get the most life span from the tire. It is typically recommended to have this done at each oil change (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/change-oil-and-filter). The reason for this is that each tire has a certain...
Slight vibration and knocking when braking suddenly
This sounds like you are feeling the anti-lock brakes working as they should. Sometimes when the rotors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-rotor-disc-replacement) get warped then your brakes can lock up earlier than normal and the ABS kicks in. You should have the brake system...
What is wrong with my transmission? 1968 Chevy Impala
Hi there. It sounds like the transmission forward clutch plates are slipping. First check the fluid level and fluid condition (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) by putting the dipstick fluid on a clean white towel and seeing if you see what looks like sand...
I have a smell coming from under the hood when I turn the heater on.
Hi there. The smell would be the cabin air filter causing the odor to fumigate the area. Find the cabin air filter and replace the filter with a new one. Usually the filter is found in a trap door behind...
C250 50k, just changed timing chain tensioner, still chatters for on second on cold start
Hello. For most vehicles it could actually be considered normal to hear a little bit of chattering when the vehicle is first started. This is due to the engine needing a brief period of time for the oiling system to...
How do I adjust my 2015 Equinox steering wheel? My leg touches it every time I want to put leg on brakes. I believe I have in high
Hi there. Your steering wheel adjusts so that it can be in the ideal position for you while driving. Adjusting the steering wheel only takes a few seconds: 1. Locate the steering wheel lever, which is to the left of...
Why would one cylinder not get spark on my 1998 Ford Escort
Hello. If you are getting good spark out of the other 3 wires and not that one in particular then that is typically a coil issue. Your ignition system uses the waste spark method meaning two plugs always fire together,...
Very slow coolant leak
Hi there. I wouldn't assume that you have a coolant leak based on coolant being present after the vehicle overheated. In most cases, the coolant will boil out of the radiator cap and cause this type of 'spillage'. If you've...

Related articles

How to Use “Stow ‘n’ Go” Seats in a Dodge or Chrysler Minivan
Minivans Minivans offer customers maximum interior space for the size of the vehicle. On a platform just a bit larger than a full size car, you can fit a driver and six passengers - or a driver, three passengers, and...
Ten Sports Cars That Double as Good Daily Drivers
The best daily driver is a car that's reliable, usable, and still fun to drive. Popular daily sports cars include the BMW M3, Subaru WRX, and VW GTI.
The Most and Least Expensive Cars to Insure
Car insurance quotes depend on the car make and model. The Honda Odyssey is the least expensive and the Dodge Viper is the most expensive to insure.