I have this odd problem where driving slowly 15mph or slower, after turning right and gently accelerating, I hear a grinding noise coming from the vicinity of the passenger side wheel. The sound is similar to when you are on a plane and you can hear and feel the landing gear being let down. This sound is more prevalant when the car is cold but it sometimes happens when the car is under optimum operating conditions as well but very very rarely.

Anybody else with this symptom? Did a search and did find some issues with the power steering fluid but since ours is electronic, this cant be the problem.

Guesses anyone?

 

Bueller, Bueller anyone? BUMP

 

I'm not sure what sound you're hearing, but if it sounds similar to the sound my 3G was making, it ended up being a faulty power steering pump that was replaced under warranty. Your description sounds similar to what I was experiencing. Get it checked out if you haven't already.

 

happens after starting car? - if so could be the abs unit start up sound?

 

Yes, that is the common solution but the 4th Generation has an electrical power steering so no pump. Thanks for the advise. I am going to get it checked out but its very hard to duplicate this as it only does it when cold. Sometimes will do it too under normal temps but very very rare.

 

Well, its after starting when cold but only after I take a right turn, so I turn right and then when I slowly accelerate after turning is when I hear the grinding noise. Does this every single day but only when taking a right and only when the engine is not quite warmed up. Kind of like a 2 liter bottle of cola crunching or similar to hearing landing gear coming down in an airplane just not as loud.

 

Did you ever figure out what was causing the grinding noise when turning right? I am experiencing the same issue. It is a very loud grinding sound when turning right.

 

Probably a bad wheel bearing.

 

Was getting the same sound back in December and it ended up being a bad CV shaft. Had to get the shaft and boot replaced.