Video/audio of 2012 M37x making scraping sound at low speeds

[NoTalentLoser]

Hey guys, I posted the other day about a scraping sound my 2012 M37x with 40k miles is making at low speeds, and I got around to filming a video of it (with audio) earlier today. It seems like the sound is coming from the front left wheel area, although there is a possibility that it could be occurring on the left front side as well (haven't had anyone ride with me yet to confirm).

Would you guys mind giving it a watch/listen to see if you have any ideas as to what the sound might be caused by? Here's the link:

http://youtu.be/5KxisI3dTrQ

Thanks in advance....

[SmoovC]

I checked it out, and what I was hearing (other than wind noise) was what sounded more like a metallic, tin like rattle? If that is what you are referring to, maybe check the brake backing plates?

[NoTalentLoser]

I checked it out, and what I was hearing (other than wind noise) was what sounded more like a metallic, tin like rattle? If that is what you are referring to, maybe check the brake backing plates?

Thanks for checking the video out. Yeah, that's the sound I've been hearing (I really wasn't sure whether to describe it as a scrape or rattle). This is probably a dumb question, but do you know how to go about checking out the brake backing plates? Can I just climb under the car near the tire and look for something specific?

[SmoovC]

Not a dumb question. You can reach through the wheel, and touch it. It is directly behind the brake rotor. While it is semi-flexible, it should not have any "play" in it as far as feeling loose.

[SwissCheeseHead]

This was my same reply in Myg37.com. (or somewhere. I can't remember lol) Sheesh! :P

[NoTalentLoser]

I tried to look at the brake backing plates and pushed my finger against them, but they seemed pretty sturdy (hardly any give at all). It also didn't look like they were touching the rotors, but I guess it's hard to tell just by looking. Hopefully it's not something more serious than that...

[SmoovC]

Judging from the sound in the video, it sounds like either the aforementioned brake backing plates, or a heat shield. If it was suspension components, it would have a different sound. Best thing to do is get it in the air, and inspect the underbody. I had a sound similar to what you are experiencing on my old 2006 M45, and it ended up being a rock on top of a rear exhaust heat shield.

[SwissCheeseHead]

You'll have to get it up and remove the wheel. Then take to rotor and turn it by hand to see if you can pinpoint the sound. That is the best way to go about it.

[NoTalentLoser]

You'll have to get it up and remove the wheel. Then take to rotor and turn it by hand to see if you can pinpoint the sound. That is the best way to go about it.

Yeah, I'm taking to take it to a well-reputed brakes/suspension mechanic one day this week, since the car also has a tendency to want to pull left whenever I take my hands off the wheel (and it does on just about every road I've driven road). I'm hoping the mechanic doesn't greet me with, "Son, whoever sold you this here hunk o' s*** is a sumbitch of the lowest order, 'cause this is one of the worst cases of major frame damage I ever seen."

I'm hoping this is related to the scraping sound I'm hearing at low speeds, but I've also noticed that when I drive slowly down a hill and then it abruptly levels-out or elevates, I also hear a sound that's almost exactly like the scraping/rattling but a little bit different. Also, I can't help but notice that when I get into the car, start it, and back the car out, the car's suspension groans.... like my 2002 PT Cruiser.

Hope I haven't goofed by buying this one....