Uh Oh - Not a good noise to hear

[Anthony]

2013 RS 6MT 20k miles - MPFab intake, anaconda, ZZP catback, front + rear aftermarket sway bars, eibach lowering springs, moog end-links, aftermarket wheels and tires (17x8 235/45).

I hear a grinding noise (coming from the front) when rolling in neutral. When I am in gear and accelerating I do not hear it. When I start engine braking I can hear it and it is most prominent around turns at low-speeds.

The sound changes based on wheel speed. Not engine speed. I just swapped from my stock wheels and tires to my aftermarket set two days ago and shortly after the swap is when the noise started. Highway driving is perfect...no noise. The noise is only heard below 40 mph when not accelerating.

Any idea what it could be and how I can diagnose the issue without lifting the car? I do not have access to a lift until later this week and I need the car to last until then.

Also, judging by my mods, what are the chances that the dealership can't help me under warranty?

Thanks for any advice/input.

 

[Natesriv]

if you just put them on, it's wheel related for sure... Can you rotate them, or put the old ones back on?...

I hate unknown noises!!!

 

[ak215371]

I used to drive a chevy pickup had the same sounds. But it was only at certain speeds like you, it ended up being my alignment. I doubt that's what's going on with yours. Depends on the dealership one that I go to, doesn't care about me having a tune and custom work done. They haven't voided my warranty.

 

[Anthony]

if you just put them on, it's wheel related for sure... Can you rotate them, or put the old ones back on?...

I hate unknown noises!!!

I won't have the ability to do another swap until at least next weekend. Are there any telling signs that it could be the wheel swap that caused this issue? I can't imagine how the wheels swap could affect the car like this.

Also...when I'm driving very slowly the sound comes and goes gradually (while maintaining like 3mph). When I slowly come to a stop from that speed the sound turns into a genuine creaking sound like stepping on old floor boards. The sound doesn't go away until I accelerate or come to a stop.

 

[oldslowchevy]

Possible wheel bearing, brake caliper sticking? Something stuck between a pad and rotor? Is the spokes on the new wheels bearly touching the brake caliper somewhere?

 

[Natesriv]

I've had a tire which was so bad it just made droning noise at speed... that's why I'm wondering if a quick swap from front to back of the tires will give a clue as to the noise...

 

[Anthony]

Possible wheel bearing, brake caliper sticking? Something stuck between a pad and rotor? Is the spokes on the new wheels bearly touching the brake caliper somewhere?

It's close but no. I can't see contact between them as possible. I can't tell if there is anything stuck between the rotors and the calipers.

 

[Anthony]

I've had a tire which was so bad it just made droning noise at speed... that's why I'm wondering if a quick swap from front to back of the tires will give a clue as to the noise...

I can't imagine that this noise is generated by a tire coming in contact with something else. It's just not that kind of sound. It sounds like my sway bar or end links but that wouldn't explain the sound only occurring in neutral. It would, however, explain why the sound is more prominent around turns.

 

[Natesriv]

neutral only... what happens when rolling in neutral and pressing in the clutch.

1st thing to do, is determine if it's coming from front or back. Then remove the wheels from that area and make sure nothing's loose or not reconnected. Look for signs of wear, or newly shiny metal or plastic (a sign of abrasion)..

Tires can make a noise, the steel belts can "separate" and make a wonderful groan...

 

[Stew]

Tires can make a noise, the steel belts can "separate" and make a wonderful groan...

This happened on my wifes car a couple years back. It started making what I swore was some kind of bearing noise and it ended up being separated belts on a tire.

 

[Anthony]

I don't see the tire being damaged being the issue. The noise disappears completely when any amount of gas (or pulling force) is applied. Once the rear suspension depresses by even a millimeter due to the car accelerating, the noise completely disappears. If it was the tire, wouldn't the noise be present under any kind of movement?

 

[barrstev]

Usually grinding type sounds that aren't heard constantly are related to either the CV joints/shafts or wheel bearings. You should visually inspect the CV boots for visible damage. Your car is under warranty, but the dealer could easily blame your performance mods on stressing the cv joints, and your wheels/tires (especially if they have a radical offset) on failed wheel bearings. You may also want to inspect the color and condition of the transmission fluid. I doubt that the problem is trans related, I'm just giving some things to inspect and troubleshoot.

You're best bet is to make it look stock, then take it in.

 

[VaBumbleBee]

tires out of balance can make alots of noises

 

[Anthony]

Update.

I removed the front aftermarket wheels and replaced them with the stock wheels and took a quick spin around the block. No noise. Lifted the car again, swapped the front wheels back to the aftermarket ones and took another spin around the block. No noise.

It seems as though the sound has completely disappeared. What could it have been? The wheels were definitely installed correctly the first time so I'm wondering how this is possible? Any ideas?

 

[Swordsmith]

my guess: Something loose in the wheel that fell out when you set it down (if it was something not attached) or that got tightened properly when you put them on the second time.

 

[oc3273]

same exact noise!!

Im hoping this was the answer. I put on aftermarket wheels about a month ago and this noise has become very loud under the same exact conditions described here. Ill take them off and put them back on to see if it helps. I cold swear it was a bushing or suspension noise though.

 

[oc3273]

although I could swear this noise was coming from the rear, at this point though I a m not sure