Grinding noise when turning left

[jcarringer]

Having a grinding noise when cranking the steering wheel hard to the left. No noise that I can hear during normal driving or normal left turns. I thought it might be due to the strut tower recall issue as I could see through to the engine compartment before the repair was made but now that the repair has been made, the noise is still there. Any ideas?

BTW, this site is great. I have done my oil cooler, fan amp, ignition coils, MAF and various sensors all from information on this site. Thanks to all!

[Towncivilian]

Was the noise there before the repair? How is the power steering fluid level and color/smell? It should be red and not smell burnt.

[jcarringer]

Sorry for the delay responding. To answer the questions above, yes the noise was there before the repair. The power steering fluid is at the correct level and the color/smell is good. After listening over the last few weeks I need to correct some of my statements. When I turn the wheel to the left after sitting a while (car is parked) I can hear the grinding noise. It doesn't happen everytime but it does appear to be present during normal turns and when the car is stationary.

[Towncivilian]

Can you have a helper turn the wheel at idle when it's most likely to generate the noise while you watch the steering components from within the engine bay for any unwanted movement and try to localize the noise? If that doesn't yield any results, you may need to look under the vehicle and try to localize the noise. I don't know too much about steering components, so I don't have any other suggestions to offer.

[fleurys]

personnaly, I think it could be either a bad half-shaft (torn boot) , or a wheel bearing...

You easily rule out the half-shaft by taking them off... it's about 15-20 min each side. Then go do a road test... if the noise is gone , you know... if not you could check the wheel bearing, but this could be a bigger job if you have a 4 wheel drive... If the noise is when you turn left, then you want to check the RIGHT wheel bearing as the load gets on it when you turn left...

let us know.

[Pathfound49]

That sounds like a worn out or seizing up strut mount/bearing. Stationary or moving is the giveaway. TownC's helper idea would really pay off in this instance. At least you can figure out which side it is.

[Kconradx5]

What was the cause of the grinding noise? My 08 m35x is doing the exact same thing.

[gurps531]

anyone find the problem? 2011 m37x... thanks in advance

[atraudes]

Can you describe the symptoms you're experiencing, exactly? Do you hear a noise while the wheels are being turned or only after they've been turned, does it happen when you're stationary or moving or both? Does it happen when you're moving in a straight line versus in a turn?