Loud grinding noise from front drivers side wheel area?

New one for me. But it definitely sounds like a tyre rubbing and then moving back to rest. Are all the bushes and joints in good order?

Haven't checked the bushes and joints yet, will take a look this weekend.

Yeah, I really want it to just be the tyre rubbing (then I have an excuse for the 2" lift)

Anyone have tips on how best to check if the tyre is contacting or any places on the body to check first? When I've checked in the past, I've looked for evidence of either 'clean' bodywork, black marks or obvious grazes around all four wheels.

I get two things from your video (be easier without the music playing).

1. the noise stops once wheel speed is reduced and steering left or right seems to help.

2. Its not really a rubbing tyre noise. Except as Lambert says if the radius arm bushes are badly worn. That would allow the axle to move a bit and cause wheel rubbing. It would be fairly obvious on the wheel arches where it was catching if thats the case.

Therefore I would assume you need to look at the CV or hub on that side. I would try removing the relevant freewheel hub and see what happens on a test drive (the black bit in the middle of the wheel with star bolts holding it on). That will ensure the hub isnt engaged somehow (stuck maybe?). If that cures it then the CV is most likley the problem (and maybe the hub as well). A goosed wheel bearing can be a bit like this as well, but would be more often that you say it happens.

Hope that helps track it down!

P.S. How does it make the steering feel when it happens? does the wheel shake or pull left/right?
If not then it could be loose trim/bumpers or maybe airbox cover type stuff?

Hi Riccy.

Other than the noise, there are no other symptoms while it's happening. A very slight bump/shudder can be felt at the time of 'release'

(That last sentence sounded more like a dodgy innuendo than I would have liked)

The problem has become less common since I've taken both wheels off, removed and cleaned both disks and calipers but still rears it's head occasionally. Haven't had chance to take the hubs of yet, needed the torx drivers first.

After what Riccy suggested I popped the car into 4WD whilst it was making the noise and it immediately stopped. I've done this twice now and both times it stopped the noise. So to my mind, that points to an issue with the hubs? Possibly the collar catching on the driveshaft?

Before I go ahead and start pulling stuff off, am I barking up the wrong tree? Can I just remove the hubs for inspection, cleaning or whatever is required or will I need a gasket or something similar to reseal after?

Sorry for dragging the thread up again, and as always thanks for the help.