Grinding sound when braking and turning.

[jperras]

Hi there and sorry for posting 2 questions so soon!

On my '99 cavalier everytime I make a tight turn either left or right and apply any braking whatsoever, I here a grinding sound. The more I brake the louder it sounds. I mostly notice it on the ramps getting on and off the highway. Any ideas on what's causing this? A friend reccommended that the brake fluid might be low, but I checked it and it's fine. Possibly I need a brake flush? I'm stumped and would like to try everything and anything before I pay big bucks to find out what is wrong.

[CRXGSR]

Do you notice which corner the grinding is coming from? I woud guess one of the fronts, since it's grinding during turns. Well, if you have a jack and jack stands, lift the car up and put the stands under the front lower control arms, and lower the car. Then turn the wheel all the way to the left or right, and see if there's enough clearence between the tires/rim and the inner fender liners. Remember, when you brake, the weight of the car is push forward, so there will be less clearance.

What you might also want to do, since it's off the ground, is remove the wheels and take a look at your brake pads, and notice the amound of pad remaining (both inner and outer pad). Also inspect your rotor for any rust along it's surface, or any grooving. If anything looks bad, have it inspected professionally and have it replaced. (in pairs of course)

[ichpen]

If it doesn't feel like a brake pad check the condition of your CV boot.

[DragonZealot]

You should check how much is left on the pads. Prob they are worn down and the wear indicator is rubbing against the disc. Most shops will do this for you free.

[mau108]

I had this problem, it was the calipers werent greased properly and it ceased up which would cause vibration when braking and turning or braking and driving up a bump...

[Pete_Coach]

This sounds like your brakes are down to the metal on one or perhaps both pads, but it can also be the constant velocity (CV) joint on either (or both) side of the vehicle. I am leaning towards the brakes because you are saying the noise is only heard when applying the brakes.
If you hear an noise while turning without applying the brakes, the joints may be your problem. The joints nomally make a clicking type of noise as they are wearing vice a grinding noise (unless they have suffered catastrophic failure).

[dgmorr]

Either your pads are GONE, or both wheel bearings are on their way out.

[leseuldaniel]

I had the exact same problem with my sunfire. The front brake disk was dead, and was starting to get slightly bent. Change brakes (pads and disks), orat least get tme inspected.

[jperras]

Thanks everyone for your considerate replies. The sound is definatley coming from the front of the car which I neglected to mention in the original post. My (inexperienced) guess after reading the responses is that the wheel bearings are on their way out as the brake pads were changed 4 months ago. I'll be bringing the car in for a look later this week and will let you guys know what it was. Thanks again.