1996 Cavalier, Z24, Standard
The sound started the other week and I haven't been able to pin point it.
When driving I can hear a rubbing noise coming from the driver side front end. It sounds sort of like a rubbing. It is not a consistent sound, but rather only seems to be when the wheel rotates past a certain point.
The sound seems to get louder when I brake, but I am not too sure, could just the echo off of surrounding cars. Though, when turning to the left, it definitely gets louder. As for turning right, it seems to get a bit quieter, but I can still hear it. I don't notice it at higher speeds (50km or more) but it could just be the traffic and my somewhat noisy car.
It doesn't sound like a wheel bearing issue to me, as when I previously had a wheel bearing issue, it made a definite clicking sound, which would go away completely when I turned to the damaged WB side.
The wheel bearing on this side has been replaced in the last 6-8 months.
I pulled off the wheel and put on new brake pads (but didn't change rotors) last weekend, but I couldn't find the source of the sound. I also took it to a shop and they could hear the sound (especially when turning left) but they couldn't find anything wrong.
Any ideas on what this may be?
Wheel Bearing? CV? Warped rotor? (Though my car doesn't much when I slam on the brakes....)
Your help is appreciated!
It can be caused by a backing plate. Make sure the plates are push back away from the rotor especially if it looks kinda close. When you turn they will usually move a little causing it to rub.
However, just because you replaced the wheel bearing should not mean that you will overlook it.
Bearings will make a Whirring, or Grinding noise. if it sounds like a tinny scratchy noise, it's usually something else.
Since you said it gets louder when you turn left, chances are the bearing on the right is the cause as you are essentially transferring the vehicles weight onto it when you turn left.
Unless the bearing is from GM, I will be willing to put money on the right hand (passenger side) bearing.
I'm more of a Datsun / Nissan junkie so I can't completely remember the braking assembly of the cavalier / sunfire, but I think there are retaining clips on the inside of the caliper bracket off the spindle, or inside of the caliper. Make sure these are touching the rotors when you brake aswell.
