95 Q45 160K, expert opinion needed

[ahmed_wasim]

Guys,I need your expert advice again. I have noticed that when I turn the wheels at very slow speed like getting out of parking. I can hear some grinding noise from the center of the car. Once the car is moving and wheels are straight the sound goes away.Its not a loud sound. I have to turn off music and roll down windows to hear it. What it can be??Regards,Wasim.

[txQ45]

Under those conditions the carrier bearing on your drive shaft the only other thing close to that would be your brakes...

[maxnix]

So tell us about your maitnenace history.

Specifically, how about the pulleys and belts? Fluids? Rack bushings?

[elwesso]

moved to the online mechanic.....

Can you feel the grinding noise at all, or just hear it?

[ahmed_wasim]

Max,

I have 60k, 90k, 120K service done by dealer. On 120K service I had the dealer replace all the fluids.Recently replaced drive belts (about a month and a half).Head gasket along some hoses was replaced about 1.5 years ago.

I don't feel anything while driving just the noise.

Regards,Wasim.

[Q45tech]

Head gaskets you mean valve cover gaskets? Head gaskets would cost you $2500+ at a dealer.

[ahmed_wasim]

Yep, valve cover gaskets

[maxnix]

No mention of tensioners nor rack bushings.

Have you looked at the former? Checked the latter?

[ahmed_wasim]

Max,

If they are not part of 60,90 or 120k maintenance, they are not done.

Should I take the car to dealer or some independent shop. I am still looking for a good independent shop here in Toronto.

Regards,Wasim.

[maxnix]

Toronto? I thought your profile said VA, then T-3 would be the choice.

Dealer maintenance schedules don't include preventative maintenance, but inspections should reveal these problems even during an oil change.

Good independents in Toronto seem to be a problem, let alone anyone knowledgeable about the relatively rare in Canada G50 Q45.

[ahmed_wasim]

Max,

I'll update my profile. I moved from VA to Toronto last year. I used to take my car to Van Meter Auto in NJ and was a happy camper. The dealer in Richmond, VA was good.Now in Toronto I have a hard time finding a good mechanic. The customer service at dealer sucks. Last time I took my car to dealer for my window was not going up, they charged me 105 dollars just for telling me that I need a new regulator and they don't have it in stock. They wanted another 300 $ (parts and labor) to install the regulator.

Any good mechanic in Detroit, MI area??

Regards,Wasim.

[ahmed_wasim]

Hi,

I have taken the car to dealer to check the noise and do the oil changed. One thing that I noticed was that the underbody cover was not put back properly during previous oil change. Anyways the dealer did not find any problem and the grinding sound has gone away since then.

Regards,

Wasim.