Whistling sound from front driver's wheel

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

You are very welcome. Let me know if that takes care of the problem.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, February 24th, 2022 AT 5:58 PM
Tiny
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Hi again,

So, no luck. Turns out that was an optical illusion, and that bottom part of the dust cover wasn't touching the rotor. I could get my fingers between them. But also, there wasn't much room to move it even further from the rotor, as there's that big bolt right against it. I tried to move it a tiny bit, and took the car for a test drive, and. Our favorite sound was there as usual. I think there's not much choice but to go to a shop, lift the car, and take the whole wheel apart?
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Friday, February 25th, 2022 AT 10:40 PM
Tiny
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At this point, that may be a choice. It makes it difficult not being there. The only other thing I can suggest is checking for play in a wheel bearing. If there is nothing visible touching, it has to be something hidden.

When you had the wheel off the ground, did you notice any play up down, side to side, or in and out in the wheel?

I may have asked you already, but is it possible for you to record it and upload it for me to hear? It may not be loud enough, but it may help. Also, in the rear of the wheel (not the tire) is there any evidence of something toughing?

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, February 26th, 2022 AT 6:22 PM
Tiny
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Hi Joe,

I didn't notice anything when I had the wheel off the ground, other than that annoying scratching sound, that you could hear in that video I uploaded before (and also linked below). Also, I couldn't see anything in the rear, it's really hard to see anything unless you are directly underneath it (in a shop). If something was clearly touching - then that would be our culprit!

I also uploaded to the same link a recording of the sound while driving. It's the same scratching sound from the video, just in higher pitch, as the wheel is turning faster...

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DowiTJCoT99J4WHZhMoA5VS7rMH0rQ0D?usp=sharing

Let me know if this rings a bell!

Thanks,

AJ
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Monday, February 28th, 2022 AT 11:25 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Do me a favor. Remove the wheel and push the caliper back away from the rotor so the brake pads aren't touching the rotor. See if the sound goes away. Also, when the wheel is off, go all around that backing plate and see if it is touching in a different place.

Let me know. Also, I attached a pic below showing how to release pressure from the brake pads.

Let me know what you find. I did listen to all three videos, and it sounds like one of the two.

Joe

See pic below.
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Tuesday, March 1st, 2022 AT 6:46 PM
Tiny
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Hi Joe,

Okay, so brought the car to a mechanic near me, and of course, the sound was on all the way there, but the minute the mechanic got in my car for a test drive, it was gone! But, when they put the car on the lift, and took the wheel off and one of them stepped on the gas, we finally heard the sound! Hallelujah! See the video attached (it's actually cropped here, so I've uploaded the video also to that same Google Drive folder). So, they said it didn't sound like it was coming from the brakes at all, and not related to the pads touching the rotor, but from something behind the brakes (the wheel bearing?). What do you think?

Thanks,

AJ
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Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022 AT 2:33 PM
Tiny
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It sounds much different in the video. Just to eliminate a possibility with the brakes, I would try to remove pressure from the pads. However, not that I heard the video, it does sound like something different. At this point, the next step would require the removal of the hub and CV axle for inspection.

Interestingly, even though it could be the bearing, it doesn't have a traditional bearing sound.

Let me know if you have questions and if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022 AT 6:08 PM
Tiny
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Thank you! So, you mean removing the entire rotor-caliper-pads complex?

And hmm. Does it sound like anything else that you could recognize, if not the bearing?

AJ
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Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022 AT 7:33 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

It wouldn't hurt to remove everything. However, if the caliper is removed, don't press the brake pedal. It will cause the caliper piston to shoot out. LOL

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022 AT 8:44 PM
Tiny
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Oh yes, I won't be touching it. My mechanic will :) back to him (17 miles drive again) on Friday. What a saga.
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Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022 AT 9:58 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Today's cars have become more and more interesting to work on. If you have a chance, let me know what he tells you. Something small is touching or the bearing is the cause. I'm really interested in knowing what is found.

Take care of yourself,

Joe
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Thursday, March 3rd, 2022 AT 5:54 PM
Tiny
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Hi again Joe,

So, he diagnosed that it must be the wheel bearing. Even though he said that he had never heard such a sound coming from a wheel bearing, he pin-pointed the sound to be coming from it, and so he went ahead and repealed it. So far, that seems to have taken care of the problem! But guess what, all of a sudden today, I have no back lights (other than the brake light) and no dashboard light! Ah! There is no way on earth these could be related, right? Must a fuse or something? This car is haunted!

But thank you so much for all the guidance and advice, it's been of tremendous help! Glad we have solved that one! (And now, on to the new thing, hahaha.)

AJ
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Sunday, March 6th, 2022 AT 8:11 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

AJ, I agree with him. I never heard a bearing make that sound either. Regardless, I'm glad it's fixed.

As far as the lights, do me a favor. Start a new thread related to the lighting issue. Copy and paste the new issue you indicated and either I will, or another tech will guide you.

I would do it from here, but we try to keep threads specific to one topic. That way, it is more helpful to others. I hope you understand.

Here is the link to start a new one:

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Again, I hope you understand. Also, please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome here.

Take good care of yourself.

Joe
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Monday, March 7th, 2022 AT 5:19 AM
Tiny
AJ555
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Hi Joe,

Of course! I totally understand! My bad. But actually I think we might not need a new thread, as it seems to be just a fuse this time. But, with this car, I am sure you guys will hear from me sooner or later, when the next thing breaks! :-) (In a new thread of course!)

Thank you again for all your help, and for caring, you've been more than wonderful, and this website is awesome!

All the best to you too, and take good care,

AJ
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Monday, March 7th, 2022 AT 6:02 PM
Tiny
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AJ,

You are very welcome. And certainly, you are always welcome here.

Take care of yourself.

Joe
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Monday, March 7th, 2022 AT 8:13 PM

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