About two weeks ago I noticed my car starting to make a grinding sound like dragging a rake on the cement. I took the car in to get looked at ASAP and got the brakes changed out because they were getting close to needing to be replaced anyway and the mechanics said it was most likely the culprit.

However, this apparently wasn't what was causing the noise and most likely rules out the rock in the brakes problem I've read about as well. It seems to be coming from the front half of the vehicle (driver's seat forward). The sound occurs only at speeds from 1-45 MPH and does occur sometimes while idling. Usually it only begins after its been driven for a little bit and warmed up. It can happen going forward or in reverse and it is very intermittent sometimes going away completely for an entire trip.

My personal belief is that it's the heat shield on the drive shaft, but I haven't been lucky enough to be able to get out and pinpoint the exact location of the sound while its occurring yet. I would be most appreciative if someone could give me an idea of what I'm dealing with here.

Thanks