Magnifico

Hey, I drive a 1992 VE 5 Speed.

I have to make a 750~ mile drive in a few days, and was wondering if someone could give me an idea of what's causing these persistent noises which have been going on for about a month now.

The noises definitely come from some area near the front passenger wheel. They ONLY occur at low speeds, and ESPECIALLY while im slowing down to stop, go over a speed bump, make a turn, etc.

Usually the noise sounds like DRAGGING. like a piece of cardboard is being dragged on the road, or like my tire is flat (neither are the case).

Also, lately it's been making squeaks when turning and the occasional tire-squeal when I do a sharp turn.

I can't hear the noises at all when I'm on the freeway or when I'm otherwise traveling fast. The car handles just fine and doesnt vibrate any more than it always did since I got it.

Any ideas for what this could be, what I can test and how I can test it? What information have I left out? Thanks!! Unfortunately I'm without a jack or ramps at the moment =(

BenStoked

iTrader: (7)

a few guesses:
power steering; do you need to add fluid, or do you do it frequently?
wheel bearing; when you jack up the wheel and turn it by hand(in neutral), does it feel rough?
brake-dust-cover: is it touching the rotor?
there are other things, but these first come to mind.

mikekantor

iTrader: (5)

There are a myriad of suspension parts that can make strange noises, have you had a chance to inspect them? This also sounds like it could be a power steering issue, check the fluid level just in case and inspect for leaks.

internetautomar

iTrader: (30)

Loose undercar protector?
Loose inner fender?

Josh

iTrader: (5)

Since you said you don't hear it on the highway I doubt it is a wheel bearing. I would lean more towards your powersteering pump and maybe a dust shield rubbing. Wheel bearings typically get so loud on the high way that it makes talking in a normal voice difficult. You might want to check your pads too, cheap pads can grind away and get very loud at low speeds.

maximal

iTrader: (4)

check under your car. most likey, one of the splash guards is getting chewed up by your tires. i also remember a bracket under there that would make a loud noise if the tire rubbed on it.

Wiking

We dont know issues we dont know. The wise men have a miserable consensus; only 3% of all knowledge is known by humans... possibly.

I would swap front tire to rear, look around while there, listen what folks know... This swap would take care of possible tire thread issues and/or nut tightening related issues.

internetautomar

iTrader: (30)

I forget about the slides on the caliper sticking and causing that noise too.

hadman

iTrader: (21)

That sentence stuck out to me. Dude, if you are going on a 750 mi trip, have it looked at if you can't inspect it yourself. A half hour labor charge will at least get the car up on a hoist so you can rule anything dangerous out. I'd think it would be $30 well spent.

maximagician

are your tires\rims original size? my 92 has newer maxima 17's with huge tires and they rub a little when turning sharp.they rub the mudflaps and side engine splash shield so when the tires wear down they might stop rubbing,but ill get a little smaller tires ,also thetires inner sidewalls are close to the strut but dont rub.