3rdhonda

I've been having an odd issue with my '97 Civic EX (manual trans).

Twice now, after driving for about an hour, I'll get a metallic squealing/grinding noise in the front. It sounds like it's coming from the middle of the car.

It is noticeable at 25mph and under, especially when going slowly over uneven road and turning. It also happens when backing up. It usually presents itself once I get into city traffic, so it may be connected to the constant braking/clutching somehow. But braking does not seem to affect the noise.

If I let the car sit for an hour, it goes away.

Last night, after an hour's drive home, I parked and turned the wheel with the car off. The noise happened then also.

I have had the garage look at brakes, suspension, and check the CV/bearings, etc. But of course, the car wouldn't make the noise that day!

I just recently had new tires put on all 4 with an alignment, and the front passenger tie-rod replaced. The noise actually started about a week or so after all that.

I do need a new front axle, as the boot's torn a little, but I believe that would sound more like a clicking noise.

I know what a CV joint, bad bearings, and worn brakes sound like, and this is not that sound.

This is like bare metal grinding against metal.

It's got 204K on it, if that helps at all. I do have a little squeaking when putting in the clutch, but it is not synched with the sound I am posting about.

Any ideas?

Former User

Check whether a wheel splash guard is bent and rubbing against the brake rotor. Also check the exhaust heat shields, which when cracked or bent can produce metallic noise.

3rdhonda

I don't have a heat shield- took it off.

As far as the wheel splash guard- I don't think that's it, as it's definitely coming from the center front, and not one of the wheels.

But I'll check it anyway - I was in an accident a while back that saw my front pass. wheel get creamed, so maybe that's a possibility.

motegicivic

I have the same noise, happens when I start the car on a cold morning.

Former User

Check the drive belts.

3rdhonda

This is not the same as the "cold start" noise. I know what you're talking about.

This is literally like something metal dragging, grinding, or squealing against something else metal.
I'm beginning to think it's a brake dragging somewhere.

If I bring the car to rest, during a time when it's making the noise, with the keys out, it will make the noise when I turn the wheel.