Ive got a 2000 chevy cavalier that just started having a grinding noise in the front end. it only grinds when i turn the wheel slightly to the left when driving. if the steering wheen is centered it dont make it but any movement to the left even just a couple hairs it starts grinding and the more u turn the louder it gets. i checked brakes they r getting worn but not far enough yet. what could be the cause of it? my son was just born a couple days ago and i need my car because im still have transmission problems with my 85 suburban. any help would be appreciated thank you

I would guess it is your wheel hub, but if it occurs while the car is on and not moving, it might be your a/c compressor. When they go out they make a terrible grinding noise.

From what you described, it sounds like you may have a CV axle going bad. The tripods are located somewhat near the center of the vehicle, near the transmission, and the fact that it gets worse in turns helps to reinforce my guess. Try this. Go into a large parking lot where you can make a minimum radius turn ( with your wheel turned as hard as it will go.) Do a few circles in each direction. If the sound gets substantially worse while turning than it is while driving straight, this is a good indicator that your CV axle is going bad. If that's the case, don't delay in getting it repaired. If it goes out, it will leave you stranded.

If you still think the noise is coming from the left side CV joint it would be more advisable to replace the entire axle as an assembly. For the time and effort it takes, you can usually get a rebuilt axle assembly for only a few dollars more than the CV joint and the boot required to repair one. You will need a large axle nut socket (usually 30 - 32mm) to remove the axle nut. The lower ball joint and tie rod will need to be separated along with the brake caliper and rotor, from the spindle. I would recheck the grinding noise before doing it. A lot of wheel bearings are mistakenly diagnosed to the wrong side. If the noise is loudest when turning left, most people would assume the left side wheel bearing is at fault. However if the noise is loudest turning left it indicates the right side wheel bearing is most likely at fault. Due to the weight distribution of the front end, turning left the weight all transfers to the right side, loading that bearing. Make sure thats not the case before tackling an axle.

Check the under fender. Sometimes the black plastic will come loose around the wheel area. Turn your wheels to the left and see if the tire are rubbing close to any part of the fender area.

Could be low on oil, trans doesnt have fluid, wheel bearings are gone, or could be something stuck under the vehicle and either the tires or the drive axle is rubbing against it.

sounds like another bad hub brg, jack up front end and check for play in wheels from top to bottom wiggle for movement. A loose wheel brg will set a front speed sensor code.

sounds like a possible wheel bearing issue or brake pad issue!!! i would definatly have this looked at, but in the meantime, make sure that it isnt just a backing plate contacting the rotor ...hope this was helpful!!

Watch out! You might have a loose wheel! Check those wheel nuts. If not, a loose brake caliper, or last if not least, a bad wheel bearing. Don't drive it until you find out what the heck is wrong! Could be dangerous.

the hub bearing is bad.the reason it stops when you turn the wheel to the one side is because its taking presure off the bearing