Grinding noise front left alloy.

**GlennNich** · 05-12-2009,02:10 PM

Just had a new tire on the front left and the car is making an awful grinding kind of noise from the alloy. It was MOt'ed three days ago so can't be the brake pads surely?

Any advice appreciated.

Glenn.

**snapdragon** · 05-12-2009,04:59 PM

Brake pads are not tested in the MOT, they just check the brakes work efficiently on the rollers. Check the wheel bolts, and if they are OK, take the wheel off and check that the splash guard wasn't bent by the tyre fitter which can make it rub on the edge of the disc (or take it back and let them check).

**martin1810** · 05-12-2009,05:59 PM

My money is on a stone caught between the splash guard and the disc or the guard is bent as snapdragon says.

**venetian-red** · 05-12-2009,06:41 PM

Could well be worn pads because I bought a Passat 130tdi estate which had an MOT put on it that morning and had a grinding noise within hours.....which was totally worn rear pads!

**martin1810** · 05-12-2009,08:39 PM

A good MOT tester will advise on the state of discs and pads. I guess they don't all bother.

**GlennNich** · 06-12-2009,07:18 PM

Thanks for all the replies. I'am by no means an expert, however the noise occurs only when the brake is NOT being used. This leads me to believe it's not the brakes.

Is there an easy way to see the splash guard or do i need to get under the car.

**martin1810** · 07-12-2009,07:56 PM

The easiest way to check the splash guard is to take off the wheel and turn the disc by hand. You can listen and look at the same time then.

**Panzerdriver** · 07-12-2009,09:51 PM

Have a look at the balance weights. Did they use the stick on types if so make sure they are not contacting the brake caliper.

Had the very same problem on my wife's Polo only sussed it when i found witness marks on the weights.

The strip had been put on over a lip on the rim about 1.5 mm high but it was enough.

**GlennNich** · 11-12-2009,07:57 PM

Originally Posted by Panzerdriver

Have a look at the balance weights. Did they use the stick on types if so make sure they are not contacting the brake caliper.

Had the very same problem on my wife's Polo only sussed it when i found witness marks on the weights.

The strip had been put on over a lip on the rim about 1.5 mm high but it was enough.

I will have a look at this first thing in the morning. Makes perfect sense. Cheers.