FJ Cruisers of Northern California

metal scratching noise in front

2008 FJ, with a 06/08 build date. Approximately 37,000 miles, mostly highway, Toytec front adjustable coilovers, OEM ucas, sway bar collars, diff drop. New brake pads 5,000 miles ago. OEM skids, Ricochet lower arm skids.

Today I heard a scratching metal noise in the passenger front tire area. Jacked up the front and if you spin the tire, you can hear a faint metal scratching sound. Noise most noticable at slow speeds. Dealer told me it was the lower arm skids. Took them off noise is still there. Any suggestions?

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Permalink Reply by pkelly72 on April 13, 2010 at 6:27am

hmm. Tough to say. Does it sound as if the sound is coming from the drive train (cv axle, front gears) or is it brakes rubbing.

Do you have any tears in your CV axle?

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Permalink Reply by DWH on April 13, 2010 at 7:03am

It could be the wear indicator on the brake pads or perhaps wheel bearings, though I think that is less likely.

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Permalink Reply by Estysalinas on April 13, 2010 at 12:04pm

Rock stuck in the brake pad.

Remove/replace pads clean out disc. Problem should be solved :-)

My .02 anyways.

You notice at lower speeds because there is a lot less road noise.

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Permalink Reply by PBn'FJ on April 14, 2010 at 6:16am

Yes, the disk brake dust shields bend easily and can give that metallic scraping sounds.

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Permalink Reply by Estysalinas on April 14, 2010 at 8:09am

I change my vote to this :-)

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Permalink Reply by lemony on April 14, 2010 at 9:16pm

when its jacked did you yank around on the tire to see if you have any slop? I lost both front bearings at about 35k and 36k, but if its bearings... gets real bad rather quickly once they make noise. Pull the tire, rotor and caliper if the rocks dont fall out spin it till it makes noise then it should be easy for a blind man to find.

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Permalink Reply by Maverick on April 15, 2010 at 11:52am

Found problem. 4 of 6 wheel studs broke off. I'm running 16 x 9 rims with ET lugs. I'll get getting 50mm extended wheel studs to replace them all around with open ended lugs. Problem solved!

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Permalink Reply by pkelly72 on April 16, 2010 at 8:51am

I'm glad to hear it. There are few things that bother me more than an unsolved problem.

When you get the 50mm on keep an eye on them.

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Permalink Reply by pkelly72 on April 16, 2010 at 9:46am

Some things that bother me more are:

1. The IRS
2. No sleep
3. Grumpy wife/child/boss
4. Lack of time to do the things I want..

Sorry for the hi-jack