Wee Wee Wee all the way home

[michelfrancisb]

Several weeks ago, I had a tire blowout on me, causing me to smack a curb with my front right tire pretty hard. I got all 4 tires rebalanced afterward and all seemed fine except for a small scratching sound, which we assumed was the brakes and was temporarily fixed by liberal application of brake cleaner, and a belt squealing that had been going on for awhile. It car was fine until two days ago, when it suddenly began to grind/clunk VERY badly while driving. Stopping and letting the car sit for approx. 10 minutes fixed it temporarily. The tech at my local AutoZone suggested it could be a ton of things but especially the idler pulley or water pump. Here's where it gets weird: on my way home, I smacked a pothole HARD...and the noise stopped! Now it's back to its regular scratching sound.

Anyone have this happen and have an idea what might have caused/fixed it?

[Fk5]

Originally Posted by michelfrancisb

Several weeks ago, I had a tire blowout on me, causing me to smack a curb with my front right tire pretty hard. I got all 4 tires rebalanced afterward and all seemed fine except for a small scratching sound, which we assumed was the brakes and was temporarily fixed by liberal application of brake cleaner, and a belt squealing that had been going on for awhile. It car was fine until two days ago, when it suddenly began to grind/clunk VERY badly while driving. Stopping and letting the car sit for approx. 10 minutes fixed it temporarily. The tech at my local AutoZone suggested it could be a ton of things but especially the idler pulley or water pump. Here's where it gets weird: on my way home, I smacked a pothole HARD...and the noise stopped! Now it's back to its regular scratching sound.

Anyone have this happen and have an idea what might have caused/fixed it?

Does the sound go with the engine or the wheels? If it makes the sound at idle and it varies with rpm it is probably a belt or bearing (water pump/idler pulley). If varies with wheel speed I was thinking wheel bearings. Stop smacking potholes!

[michelfrancisb]

It is silent at idle, and seems to go with the wheels/steering. I'll have to check out the wheel bearing I suppose.

I don't mean to smack potholes, but they just jump into my way.

[chuzz]

Maybe you've damaged an axle. Check the boots to make sure none are cracked and slinging grease.

[cruserdad1976]

im sure you know that a PT will not actually HEAL itself right???? you are going to ave to get it on a lift and see what is wacked up

[Fk5]

Originally Posted by cruserdad1976

im sure you know that a PT will not actually HEAL itself right???? you are going to ave to get it on a lift and see what is wacked up

Ignore it. It will go away.

[cruserdad1976]

well there is that----lol

actually that is what my wife always does ignore it it wil be fine

Originally Posted by Fk5

Ignore it. It will go away.

[Fk5]

Originally Posted by cruserdad1976

well there is that----lol

actually that is what my wife always does ignore it it wil be fine

I have been "ignoring" a squeaky alternator belt for almost 3 years. it comes and goes, but any time that it is damp out, it is squeak city. A friend says that once you get coolant on a belt they will do that. At some point I will get in there and change it, but until then... what is the radio for?

[Vlefaive]

Your wife ignores you too huh ? must be something in the water.. or the air...

[solidcruise]

I had a similar noise. The small sheet metal carrier that the front brake pads sit in and supposedly slide on were extending past the pads as they wore and were slightly scratching the rotor. Very irritating noise. I had to disassemble the front pads and bend the sheet metal carriers out a little. No more noise. Usually worse when turning on direction or the other.