Grinding Noise from Front-Left End 1999 Corolla

[matthewGA]

I wish I could describe it a bit better, but mostly it's a metallic grinding/clinging noise. It happens mostly when turning, but sometimes when accelerating when I first start moving in a relatively straight path. It doesn't seem affected by the brake, and it can sound-off even if I'm in neutral and turning.

I was convinced it was crap in the outer CV joint, and thus had the CV Axel replaced - http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/sh....php?p=3266773. Apparently that wasn't the case.

Anyone have suggestions on where to look for this? Troubleshooting tips to narrow it down?

Thanks folks.

[randini667]

Recently my driver side caliper piston was ceased and wouldn't retract. I would get a metallic friction sound in similar instances as yourself. Upon inspection, the piston boot was old and cracked, inside was a dirty rusty piston that was ceased causing the noise.

If this is the case, with the right tools, you can rebuild the piston for less than $5.

[matthewGA]

Okay I'll have to check that out. The caliper was definitely moved around and shaken really well last night, so that may be why it's happening less but not fixed.

I'll take a brand new caliper over a new transmission, and a cheap fix to the existing one sounds even better

[fishexpo101]

Have you tried lifting that corner of the car in the air and spinning it, to see where the noise is coming from?

Two common culprits - brakes touching the rotor (stuck caliper, jammed piston, brake pad contamination, etc.) or bad wheel bearing. Those tend to make a high pitched grinding or groaning noise. Since the noise doesn't seem to change when braking - I'd lean toward a bad wheel bearing being the source of the noise.

[sinus]

Say, would it happen to be the same noise I'm hearing?
From the driver side, usually when I'm turning - noise goes away if I turn the wheel the other way.

I posted a description and video in another thread here:
Crazy noise from 1998 Corolla - caught on video
You can hear the "grinding" noise about 26 seconds in.