Noise when turning!

[Milton]

"Leftie", my post production convertible is generally running well, and enjoying this rather pleasant summer.

However, on very odd occasions when cornering at above 25mph (usually to the left), there is a loud harmonic humming coming out from what sounds like the middle to right hand side of the engine bay.

My local garage, which is well versed in the vagaries of classic vehicles, initially thought that it might be a gear box mounting. However after a thorough check of everything around the gearbox, and a strip down and check of the front brakes, they could not find anything awry.

It is a very intermittent noise, and though generally only occurring when driving, it has happened once when turning the car right at a junction from a stationary position. It also never lasts for more than 2 or 3 seconds.

Any advice or suggestions would be gratefully accepted.

[bmcecosse]

This may sound silly - but are you sure it's not a tyre rubbing?

[Milton]

Thanks Roy (as always) for posting back.

Given that this problem has never occurred before, and I haven't changed any tyres or wheels recently, I actually haven't checked this. Would there be some sort of differential wear evident on the tyres?

I'll have a look in the morning, but I've been wondering if there was anything in the steering system that might account for the noise?

[kennatt]

If your engine mountings have gone soft,or split,it could be that the engine is tilting as the weight shifts and letting the exhaust touch the body.You should be able to see a mark on the pipe or body,or examine the mounts

[katy]

Have you checked the front wheel bearings?

[Budgie]

This similar type of noise happened to me on my tourer for quite some time over this last year but only when I was turning right on a corner or right hand down on a roundabout at fairly low speed , I changed the trunnions and swivel pins on both sides as there was some play in that area which was brought to my attention on last years mot test and hey presto the noise and scuffing has disappeared . I'm not saying that it will be the cause of your problem but it's worth checking the units out just in case . btw I also experienced a slight rubbing sensation through the steering column when this was occurring but not all the time ,a bit intermittent like you are experiencing.

[Milton]

Tyres don't appear to be rubbing, and there doesn't appear to be anything wrong with the bearings, so I'll have a look at the swivel pins and trunnions next!

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, much appreciated.

[bmcecosse]

If the track rods/track rod ends are not correctly set to equal lengths - it is possible on FULL lock for the tyre on the 'long' side (esp if the larger 155 section) to rub on the inner wing.

[Milton]

Having checked trunnions, wheel bearings and track rod ends, nothing appeared amiss, except the intermittent noise was still there.

However, I managed to discharge my duties driving the local gala queen and attendants last weekend, with only a very brief uncalled for "accompaniment" from the car. However once home and parked in the garage, I managed to replicate the noise by letting off the handbrake and gently pushing the car forward. Once once the car was jacked up and the front offside wheel removed, it became apparent that the front caliper (I have disc brakes on the front) was binding slightly. However, there is no tell tale wear on the disc, and following a very brief drive the noise disappeared completely.

So, next step will be to investigate the front braking system and see where this intermittent, but quite irritating problem lies...............