1997 Geo Prizm grinding

1997 GEO PRIZM
112,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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KAIN22
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  • 1 POST
when i accelerate i hear a grinding noise coming from the left side of the car by the front wheel.plus it vibrate a whole lot .some one told me it was cv joints but i want to make sure.
Apr 8, 2008 at 9:26 PM
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MMPRINCE4000
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  • 8,548 POSTS
Jack the car up (use jackstands) and check the inner and outer CV boots for cuts, tears and grease thrown around.
This is usually how CV joints fail, the boots (loaded with grease) get torn by road debris, the lubricant comes out and the joint grinds metal to metal.
Usually a clicking, grinding noise (especially when turning) starts. The CV joint will then have to be replaced.

If you have no signs of a lubricant leak on the CV joints, raise the car and grab the wheel checking for lateral or vertical movement which would indicate a wheel bearing,ball joint or tie rod end.

Also check the brake rotor (warped) and the caliper (looseness).
Apr 9, 2008 at 8:48 PM