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Lower control arms

Tiny
ADAM COWSERT
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 250,000 MILES
Well I just replaced the lower control arm on my 99 Jetta and now when I drive it there is a horrible grinding noise, like it's rubbing against a sharpening stone
Thursday, October 14th, 2021 AT 10:46 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
This is normally due to metal on metal when the wheel is turning.

Can you get a recording of this noise and that will help identify it?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/lower-control-arm-bushing-replacement

However, what I would do is lift the vehicle on jack stands so that you can spin the tires and look for anything that is rubbing the wheel. Specifically, the backing plate and rotor.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

Please run through this info and let us know what questions you have and what you find. Thanks
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Friday, October 15th, 2021 AT 3:05 PM
Tiny
ADAM COWSERT
  • MEMBER
  • 41 POSTS
When it's up in the air it doesn't make that sound but when I put the tires back on, lower the car and back up out of my driveway and proceed to go forward it makes the grinding sound. Then it will stop for a second when I turn my wheel but then start back up when I get it straight again and it feel really loose in the front end.
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Friday, October 15th, 2021 AT 5:16 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,197 POSTS
Hi,

I suspect you had the axle removed. Are you certain it is fully seated back into the transmission? It could be rubbing on the rear of the hub assembly causing the noise. When you torqued the axle nut, was the vehicle still off the ground?

Is it loud enough that you could record and upload for me to hear?

Also, check and make sure the backing plates behind the brake calipers are not bent and rubbing against the rotors. Make sure things like the stabilizer links are connected and nothing is touching the sway bar itself. (I highlighted what I'm referring to in the pic below.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Friday, October 15th, 2021 AT 6:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ADAM COWSERT
  • MEMBER
  • 41 POSTS
Well, I didn't take the axles out at all and now I have taken off the splash shield on both side and it's still rubbing but mostly when I'm braking and turning, I am really starting to seriously dislike this car.
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Sunday, October 17th, 2021 AT 2:41 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
I am thinking if we can get that video, we can confirm this but if with the load off the vehicle or turning the wheels, it seems like a wheel bearing.

Clearly a bearing normally starts making noise when it spins fast enough so I am concerned that it starts making noise right away. Hence the reason I think we need to hear it.

Otherwise, this would have to be something rubbing the rotor, but I would think you could see that which is why I am thinking it is a bearing.
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Monday, October 18th, 2021 AT 5:41 AM
Tiny
ADAM COWSERT
  • MEMBER
  • 41 POSTS
I figured out what it was.
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Tuesday, October 19th, 2021 AT 6:49 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Oh. That is great. Do you mind providing details on what it was and what you did if it was something unique so that we and others can benefit from what you found?

Thanks for letting us know.
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Wednesday, October 20th, 2021 AT 4:05 PM
Tiny
ADAM COWSERT
  • MEMBER
  • 41 POSTS
It turns out that it was the ball joint rubbing against the rotor, I didn't know you had to have those things exactly where they were before.
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Wednesday, October 20th, 2021 AT 9:55 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. Thanks for the info. That is great. Make sure you have an alignment done now or you will chew through tires quickly.

Thanks again for using 2CarPros.
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Thursday, October 21st, 2021 AT 7:26 AM

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