Scratching noise when turn steering wheel while driving

It seems TSB# 03-15-3 would apply to you here:

-Tim

In message , George Wang writes

It sounds like it could be one of your front brake pads touching slightly. I know that the callipers, pads and discs all move together when you turn and that it should make no difference, in real life you often find that it does.

You might want to try removing and cleaning up the calliper sliding pins and the parts of the pads which slide on the calliper bracket.

George, I might be TSB 03-20-2 (Superseded 03-15-3). But, TSB 03-20-2 exhibits creaking, cruching, grinding and/or rattling noise, while going over speed bumps at slow speeds or while turning.

These symptoms should have exhibited themselves long before 36.6k miles (unless you always travel with your Noise Dampener on...Radio at high volume :-) )

I don't think it is your CV, but check you CV Boot for holes and cracks, also check the area around it for "FLUNG" grease. CV's tend to make a very distinct clicking sound.

I agree with Paul, If you can't duplicate the noise going straight over speed bumps, and if it doesn't seem to meet the TSB 03-20-2 symptoms, pull off your front tires and check "BOTH" brake pads. The inside one especially. The outside could look just fine and the inside one can be down "metal on metal". Something is wrong with the way Ford Put these parts together and they are not owning up to it.

-- Dan

2003 ZX5 2.0L 23.3k miles "Those who forget history are condemned to repeat it" - George Santyana

Thank you guys for your valuable information. I also noticed that there is some clicking noise when I make big turn (turn steering wheel for more than 360 degrees) to either direction, does that sound like a CV issue?

BTW, another question about the TSB: what's the difference between TSB item and recall? Does it have something to do with warranty?

Thanks.

That sounds a little like a CV joint. The scratching might be a wheel bearing but that's usually described as a growl that increases in noise level with increasing speed.

A TSB is a note the car manufacturer sends to their dealers about a variety of things... from maintenance changes, updated procedures, to fixes for common problems, etc. They are not generally recalls, but if you still are under warranty the underlying symptom might be covered.

[[ That sounds a little like a CV joint. The scratching might be a wheel bearing but that's usually described as a growl that increases in noise level with increasing speed. ]]

I think you have it right. Clicking on a very tight slow turn would be CV joint, but not necessarily bad. While a worn bearing will growl, one that is just out of adjustment or worn only enough to be a little loose, will allow the brake rotor or drum to move onto the brakes. You can tell because that brake rotor/drum will be hotter than the others.