Clio 1.2 Mk1 Phase 3 grinding/whirling noise problem when turning right...

[The Fatty]

Hi All,

I have had this problem on my clio for a while now (about 9 months) and I still havent been able to pinpoint whats causing it!

The problem is, when the car is going 30+mph and I am tunring right (even just the slightest turn, if I turn left the sound goes away completely), the front area of the car makes a grinding/whirling noise which increases in frequency in relation to the speed of the car. The sound is similar to a 'failing wheel bearing at lower speeds'.

I have jacked up the car on either side and run athe car at 30-40mph, but I cant make it simulate the sound with the wheel off the ground (normally when I have had a failed wheel bearing, doing this easiliy show which side has gone). As I cant get it to make the sound im not convinced its a wheel bearing, but maybe a CV? However there is no noticable nocking when im turning at slow speeds. As the sound dosnt happen when the car is off the ground, im also wondering if its related to the extra weight thats applied to each side when turning?

Has anyone got any suggestions or tests I can do without stripping down the front of the car? Im really out of ideas :S

Please help,
Many thanks!

 

[The Fatty]

Hi All,

I did some deeper investigation and have found out that its the inner, left hand spyder (on the endo f the driveshaft). When the wheel is turned, the spyder becomes loose in the carradge, and thus vibrates. Im going to take it apart later today, but im guessing it might be terminal as its part gearbox..!

 

[The Fatty]

Ok another update... After removal of the driveshaft and closer inspection , this dosnt seem to be the problem. It appears to be more related to the wheel bearing (which is good becasue tha tis cheaper!), I am goign to get a new on pressed tomorrow (hopefully the rain will hold off for another day!