Intermittent Grinding Sound While Turning at Low Speeds; Reputable Shops in San Diego

[GRime86]

I'm occasionally hearing a grinding sound coming from the front end when turning left or right. I took the car to the dealership hoping they could spot something but they recommended an alignment first because the tech heard it once but couldn't replicate the sound again. The alignment is below and they said I should replace everything listed:
Strut Complete F Left-hand SU003-09577
Suspension Strut (Left, Right, Rear) SU00309578
Rear Suspension Arm Assembly, No.1 Left SU003-00360
Suspension Control Arm (Left, Right, Rear) SU00308417
Upper Control Arm - Toyota (SU003-07493)

Afterwards I noticed it says "Toyota: 86 / GR 86 2017-20" at the top of the alignment sheet so the baseline it was being measured against might be off. The tech couldn't show me anything that would justify replacement but he based everything off the alignment alone.

When I brought the car in for oil change at 3,500 in October, the tech said he had to enter my car as 2007 350z due to the rim change (oem suspension, stock tires on 18x8 +35 rims) because ExpressAlign wasn't set up for GR86 yet and aftermarket rim size threw everything off. Of course I remember this after I already left as I was shocked at the $2,900 bill they tried to stick me with.

Aside from that grinding sound, the steering wheel doesn't pull any direction and I don't track the car or abuse it. If this sounds like a familiar issue or if there is a reputable shop anyone can recommend, I would greatly appreciate the help.

Thank You




*UPDATE*
Sound hasn't been back after the initial weekend. I think something must have been stuck in the fender that eventually fell off

[dragoontwo]

Did you check any of the outer fender liners or fender for running?

[whataboutbob]

Questions that might help everyone assist you:

0) Any aftermarket parts on front suspension?
1) You mentioned 18X8ET35 wheels. What size tires are you running?
2) Are you lowered? If so, how much?
3) Any known previous damage to front suspension?
4) Any known damage to wheels to cause them to be bent in any direction?

Things I'd check before you buy/pay-for anything:

0) Are all bolts on the entire front suspension tight? (Struts to front knuckles, Sway bar end-links, Lower control arm mounts, Steering rack tie-ends, Lug nuts, Upper strut mount to chassis)
1) Check the entire surface of the front fender liners for any signs of contact with the tire.
2) Lift the front of the car off the ground. Check for any slop in the wheel bearings by grabbing the top and bottom of the tire, push and pull, and see if you can get any movement.
3) With the wheels straight, rotate the wheel. With the wheel turned to full lock (in each direction, one way at a time), rotate the wheel. Note if you hear any grinding in either case.
4) Rotate the wheel and see if there is any resistance at any point in the rotation. Note if you hear any grinding at any point in rotation.

[GRime86]

Originally Posted by whataboutbob

Questions that might help everyone assist you:

0) Any aftermarket parts on front suspension?
1) You mentioned 18X8ET35 wheels. What size tires are you running?
2) Are you lowered? If so, how much?
3) Any known previous damage to front suspension?
4) Any known damage to wheels to cause them to be bent in any direction?

I'm on stock suspension with factory tires 215/40. I'm the first owner and I haven't had any damage to the front. I don't see dents on the rims or bulges on the tires but I might have hit a small pothole with the rain last week. I cant recall any traumatic hits though.


Thank you for the check list; I didn't see any rubbing in the fenders but I'm going to give these a go.

[Brzzvv]

Is it a grinding or a clunking? I might be having the same issue with my Brz


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