1996 Geo Prizm Front end grinding

TUFFYCAT

MEMBER
1996 GEO PRIZM
200,000 MILES

Hi -

I'm having a problem with grinding on the front end of my vehicle. It sounds like metal clashing when I drive, and when I stop. My vehicle seems to want to pull to one side. Also the vehicle sometimes seems to lurch when I'm driving, though this does not happen all of the time. I don't think it's breaks because the car is stopping properly.

I am thinking that perhaps I lost a strut; as this has happened before. But when this occurred, I don't think it was grinding as badly as this. In your humble opinion, what gives?

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,752 POSTS

You lost a strut? As in it fell off the car? That would be a first. You wouldn't be driving the car if one was missing. Struts don't make grinding noises. They can cause a light rapid rattling when driving, even on smooth roads.

Worn brake pads are the most common cause of a grinding noise. The will still stop the car just fine but that won't last long as the rotor will be grinding away.