Whirring/creaking sound and steering wheel vibration on Clio 2008

[scrz]

Hi, semi recently my Clio has been making this strange sound in difference circumstances. It can happen when pulling out from a stop, on the motorway at 120kmph, when turning etc. Currently this is the best example I have of the sound (high pitch), though the engine kind of muffles it here. When the sound starts, I feel vibrations coming from the steering wheel. Sound: Sound. It fades in and out and sometimes just disappears. It usually happens after about 10 minutes of driving and then disappears after around 30-45 minutes. My mechanic took off the wheels and greased everything, then put them back on but it still persists.

The only thing I can think of, is that it started after I pulled a branch out from the front underneath the car, around the centre. It seemed that the branch was stuck so I gave it a good yank without thinking ...

Anyway, if anyone has any suggestions, I would be extremely grateful.

 

[scrz]

Ill add that at low speeds its a loud creaking sound, kind of hard to hear in the clip. If I get better audio, I will share.

 

[mumpy]

I can't really tell from the sound but it seems to be affected by heat I suppose, I was thinking maybe bushes/mounts? Does the creaking sound at low speed happen in a straight line or does it happen only when turning?

 

[scrz]

I can't really tell from the sound but it seems to be affected by heat I suppose, I was thinking maybe bushes/mounts? Does the creaking sound at low speed happen in a straight line or does it happen only when turning?

While turning and while driving straight. Though I believe it happens more often when turning. Ill try and find a better soundclip.

 

[scrz]

Here you go, a video of me driving and it happening: . Thats as good as its going to get for now.

 

[mumpy]

It does sound like a kind of whistling due to the wind coming through.

Does your car have an undertray? I am wondering whether you snapped something there or broken some kind of air duct tubing etc. Can you inspect undertray/wheel arch liner etc?

Whatever it is, it seems that once that area is heated up something expands sufficiently to close the gap or move out of the way.

Also I assume this happens regardless of whether you are in gear or not right?

 

[scrz]

It does sound like a kind of whistling due to the wind coming through. Does your car have an undertray? I am wondering whether you snapped something there or broken some kind of air duct tubing etc. Can you inspect undertray/wheel arch liner etc?

Also I assume this happens regardless of whether you are in gear or not right?

Yes, doesn't matter if in gear or not. I don't believe its whistling as I feel vibrations from the steering wheel. As the sound also happens at low speeds, I doubt its from the wind. At 0.07 is kind of the best example, its definitely a "creak", a lot more noticeable at slow speeds.

 

[mumpy]

Yes, doesn't matter if in gear or not. I don't believe its whistling as I feel vibrations from the steering wheel. As the sound also happens at low speeds, I doubt its from the wind. At 0.07 is kind of the best example, its definitely a "creak", a lot more noticeable at slow speeds.

It could be multiple things at the same time yeah, I think you should probably check for any play in the joints, anti-roll bar, steering rack, tie rods etc.