I have a 05 LC with aprox 170k on it. The last couple of weeks it has developed a rubbing noise in the front end. The best way to describe it would a tire rub. It happens on acceleration and more noticeably when turning. Speed doesn't seem to make any difference can be idling or under full power. It doesn't do it all the time. I have replaced and repacked the wheel bearings, checked cv joints with no sign of leakage or torn boots. Brakes are good and only a year old. Drive shafts have been greased and diffs have new fluid. Tires have equal wear and no signs of rubbing on anything. Before I just start throwing parts at it is there something I am missing? Only known issue currently is a heat shield (assumed) rattle that it has had for aprox 1 year.
Front end rubbing noise stumped on cause (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter 06 flstfise
- Start date
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Hmm, that is a tough one. Does it make the noise when turning only in one direction or both? More noticeable in a left or right turn or the same? Have you had a passenger hang their head out the window or stand on the outside of the vehicle as you drive by to maybe get another perspective on the sound? You said speed doesn’t make a difference...do you have to be moving at all to hear the sound? And is the sound speed sensitive, meaning it sounds faster or changes pitch with vehicle speed?
I hate to ask the obvious, but do you have the stock tire size on the vehicle? Could it BE a tire rubbing?
I hate to ask the obvious, but do you have the stock tire size on the vehicle? Could it BE a tire rubbing?
- Thread starter
- #3
Should have added stock tires, suspension. Makes the noise if in neutral or drive when the rpms come up. Tends to notice it more with right hand turns, but will do it with left turns as well. To me it sounds like a tire running or a gear not fully engaged. I have had it up on a lift with all four tires off the ground and can not find any play in any of the drive train. My buddy who owns a shop is also stumped at this point and suggested we try new CV joints which I am willing to do. I just want to make sure i am not missing anything obvious before I spend the $ on oem joints
I wonder if it could be the fan rubbing against the fan shroud? I had this happen years ago on a completely different vehicle.
You said: "To me it sounds like a tire running or a gear not fully engaged."
Have you pulled the dust cap and inspected the clip and splines at the drive hub? Simple to check....Not so simple to fix.
Good luck
Have you pulled the dust cap and inspected the clip and splines at the drive hub? Simple to check....Not so simple to fix.
Good luck
- Thread starter
- #6
I am going to look more into this. It reminded me that the idler pulley (assumed) bearing was making some noise this past winter on some of the brutally cold days and once the warm weather came it disappeared and I had forgotten about it. Cheap and easy to check before I start to toss $ at good parts.
I will pull the dust caps again and check the splines closer. I did do a quick check and all looked good but was more of a visual look as I was feeling confident it was the wheel bearings.
I will pull the dust caps again and check the splines closer. I did do a quick check and all looked good but was more of a visual look as I was feeling confident it was the wheel bearings.
2001LC
SILVER Star
You likely have more than one issues making noise, based on descriptions you've given.
Look close at drive belt pulley bearings, fan bracket & fan fluid clutch, drive belt, power steering fluid condition and level. Removing drive belt, inspecting area engine off and engine running can be revealing!
Look close at ball joints, dust shield & seal on front drive shaft (they get bent and rub knuckle or diff),
Was wheel bearing breakaway preload set between 9.5-15lb!
Was axle bearing and bushing ever inspected or even lubed!
Any remarkable play in CV's of front drive shaft.
Look close at drive belt pulley bearings, fan bracket & fan fluid clutch, drive belt, power steering fluid condition and level. Removing drive belt, inspecting area engine off and engine running can be revealing!
Look close at ball joints, dust shield & seal on front drive shaft (they get bent and rub knuckle or diff),
Was wheel bearing breakaway preload set between 9.5-15lb!
Was axle bearing and bushing ever inspected or even lubed!
Any remarkable play in CV's of front drive shaft.
- Thread starter
- #8
So coming back to close it up. Found the passenger side e-brake was hung up. Also found drivers side wheel bearing loose even though they were torqued, must not have been seated 100%. Oh well all is well again and didn't throw $ at good parts.
2001LC
SILVER Star
