Grinding Noise Front End 6N2 GTI

[scott-mk3]

When driving along there is a grinding noise coming what seems on every revolution of the wheels at the front.

Firstly i though the wheel may be touching the coilover and rubbing however theres plenty of space so not that.

Also checked that track rod arms are not touching anything,nowhere near anything either.

Defo coming from the front of the car.Mainly passenger side. Has had new pads but not disks fitted but I'm sure it cant be them making the noise as its quite bad.

Only other thing i could think is if the driveshaft may be hitting chassis leg or something else. Lowered and running 15" wheels but wouldnt of thought there would be any driveshaft clearance issue.

Doesnt seem any movement in the bearings when jacked up, sideways or up n down on wheel.

Bit of play in the top mounts bt woodnt of thought they would make such a noise.

The noise sounds like the brake dust sheilds are scrapping the discs as they go round but they arent. Bent them right out the way.

Had it up on jacks today. Driveshafts not hitting anything, no play in wheel bearings,discs not hitting shields and driveshafts not hitting chassis legs.

Me and a mechanic mate are a bit stuck on what else could be.

When jack car up and rotate wheels theres no noise Noise doesnt go away with clutch engaged or disengaged so I'm ruling out gearbox as its been refurbished and had a new clutch.

Any help appreciated on what it may be??

[bradley1983]

Mine is doing the same.

I'm thinking my wheel bearings. Have you checked them? My noise is on my passenger wheel.

[scott-mk3]

Mine is doing the same.

I'm thinking my wheel bearings. Have you checked them? My noise is on my passenger wheel.

Gave the wheels a shake about when it was jacked up to see if any play but couldnt feel anything major. More and more i think it could be though as there litterally is nothing else i can physcically see wrong.

[bradley1983]

I'm as stumped as you. My mechanic said the sane but the noise is still there!!!

I will let you know if mine gets sorted.

[scott-mk3]

Will keep you posted if i find anything aswell man. Physically cant see anything it can be so its annoying. Going to have another good look about it tomorrow though. It seems its only when the weight of the car is down on it that it makes the noise as i even tried having the car on stands and "driving" it with the wheels in the air and was no noise.

[alexperkins]

Hmm if its not there when the car isnt running, but is there when it is, it would suggest engine

Does the pitch of the grind change with revs or speed?

[scott-mk3]

It speeds up and slows down with the rotation speed of the wheels yeah.

The noise isnt there when its running with both the front wheels in the air and the cars in gear with wheels going round,for example when there is no load bearing weight and the car on axle stands.

[alexperkins]

One side or both sides is the next question?

I wouldnt rule out wheel bearings at this point

[Verity]

My cars doing the exact same thing. Front left wheel
Sound a bit like the noise a slinky makes when u move it hand to hand.

...which I guess equals 4 of us with GTIs with the same problem.
Im praying it's something simple. Weather related maybe as it's all happened at the same time. Some road grit lodged some where perhaps?!

[scott-mk3]

One side or both sides is the next question?

I wouldnt rule out wheel bearings at this point

Just the passenger side its coming from,hear it really bad when drive along next to a wall on the passenger side and it reflects the noise.

Thinking the wheel bearing seems to be about the only thing it could be now and it could just be totally nakered. The car was sitting off the road for 5 months before i picked it up the other day.

[scott-mk3]

My cars doing the exact same thing. Front left wheel
Sound a bit like the noise a slinky makes when u move it hand to hand.

...which I guess equals 4 of us with GTIs with the same problem.
Im praying it's something simple. Weather related maybe as it's all happened at the same time. Some road grit lodged some where perhaps?!

Would love it to be something as simple as grit in it lol. Defo sounds a very gritty noise. Quite loud as everyone you go by stares.

[alexperkins]

Interesting indeed.

Can you get a recording of the noise?

[scott-mk3]

Going to have a look at it again today and see if can find anything again! Will try get a recording but might just get wind noise.

[Verity]

Hey guys I've had a look over my car today and found what's making my noise. It is as I hoped just grit lodged on the brake disk. We jacked it up and turned the wheel at diff angles (I mainly seemed to get the sound after I full locked to the side and then for a bit straight after that, or when I just turned a sharp corner) while jack turned the wheel I sat in the car and the exact loud grinding-slinky-moving sound was produced. I'm not saying it will be the same in every ones cases but it's deft worth a little look. Hope this helps in some way.

[scott-mk3]

Never got a chance to get the wheels off today to check but will defo be doing so tomorrow to see if can see anything in scoring the disc.

Glad you found out what was making your noise though