Grinding when making a turn.

[CGriswald309B]

Ok, first and foremost thanks in advance for any advice, help, and/or suggestions. I know very little about cars but I remember coming here a few years ago before I bought my Yaris and everyone seemed helpful.

About 2 months ago I had new tires put on and had a realignment. I then made the trip back to Austin from my hometown in PA (about 1500 miles). About 8 hours into the trip I noticed a loud grinding noise whenever I cut the wheel hard to the left. Now, I typically have music on pretty loud so it could have happened earlier. I didn't hit any curbs, large pot holes, etc.

Anywho, I looked under the wheel well (that is the correct term, right) and didn't see anything too out of the ordinary. I did seem to me that maybe they didn't reattach the plastic correctly (see attached pic). I just assumed it was the wheel rubbing up against a piece of plastic. My concern is that it may be something worse. The thing is I've already driven it about 1200 miles since I've heard the noise.

So, any thoughts and or suggestions?

As always, many thanks in advance.

Oh yeah, I have a 2008 hatchback with about 32,000 miles.

[MUSKOKA800]

If you Yaris is lowered it is likely tire rub.
You might list your suspension mod's and tire size to help us diagnose.

[CGriswald309B]

First, thanks for the quick response.

Second, I have no idea what my suspension mods are.

Third, the tires are 15 inches.

[thepartsmancometh]

a loose inner fender well can certainly make a nasty noise, and that is the most likely thing. The tire/alignment shop probably would not have had this off for any reason. . By suspension mods, what he means is whether the car is stock, or if you have changed the suspension with aftermarket parts.

[CGriswald309B]

The car is most definitely stock. The only adjustment I've made is putting a hula girl on my dash. :biggrin:

[MickZEL]

What is the width of your wheels?

[Lil Abner]

So you purchased the car, but only added a hula girl and tires. Are you positive the car isn't lowered at all? How to tell, either it has a LOT of gap in the fender, or it doesn't. :biggrin:

If you think the tire is rubbing the inner fender where you took the picture, try putting a piece of grey duct tape in that area. Drive the car. Look at the tape. You should be able to see marks on the tap if it is rubbing.

Also, is there any fender damage in that area? A small dent/push from a car door or anything?

Another thing, the noise, does it sound like metal or plastic noises? You should be able to tell the difference. Know what type of noise it is will help in determining the problem.

[CGriswald309B]

@MickZEL - Sorry, but I have no clue.

@Lil Aber - I would say there is a good bit of room. And I do have grey duct tape so I will go do that in a few minutes. No dents, bumps, etc. It definitely sounds like plastic.

[thepartsmancometh]

more than likely, something impacted the inner fender well (like you hit a stick in the road or something) and that caused the lining to come loose. If its loose, it may drag, whether lowered or not. the tape idea is a sound one. is there any other visible damage (and pics thereof)?

[CGriswald309B]

more than likely, something impacted the inner fender well (like you hit a stick in the road or something) and that caused the lining to come loose. If its loose, it may drag, whether lowered or not. the tape idea is a sound one. is there any other visible damage (and pics thereof)?

No other visible damage. I'm heading down to put the tape on my car now. I have to run some errands and visit a lady friend. When I return I'll let you know what happened.

Thanks guys!

[CGriswald309B]

Sorry for taking so long to respond. To be honest, I completely forgot about this thread.

The grey duct tape didn't show any dirt, but I decided to tape on some white paper and sure enough it was dirty in no time.

Again, it definitely sounds like plastic grinding.

The only time it doesn't make a noise is when I am in D and turning left. Every other directions, D and R, it makes the noise.

Thanks again!

[Betrivent]

check the axle, there's a rubber boot there that looks like an accordion. Make sure it's not damaged.

[CGriswald309B]

I'm heading out to check the boot right now.

[Blown_xa]

sounds like possibly the rotor shield touching the rotor , it bends easily. Check that.

[CGriswald309B]

Doesn't seem like the CV joints are damaged.

I will definitely check the rotor shield tomorrow.

Quick question. Do I have to take the wheel of to check the rotor shield? :biggrin:

Many, many thanks!