Hey guys. I've been hearing this very raspy, almost scratching sound when I press the gas sometimes. I cannot identify a pattern to the sound because it comes up in hot weather, in cold weather, at slow speeds, at medium speeds, while I turn, while I'm going straight. Its a kind of raspy sound that sounds like metal on metal. Its almost like a rapid ticking sound. It sounds like it's coming from the front.It isn't a sustained sound, it sort of comes up in little bursts and then goes away. I don't hear it at very high speeds but that might be because the sound of the car is drowning out that sound. Does anybody know what this might be??

By the way, I have an 03 Sedan with hawk pads, and a few other mods that I don't think would produce this sound, but they are listed in my sig for you to see. This sound has been worrying me and I haven't taken it in to the dealer or mechanic because 1) I cant replicated the sound, sometimes it comes up, other times it doesn't, and 2) because they'll charge me just to look at it and I'd rather get some advice from you guys first. It's an embarrassing sound and I hope you guys can help. If I wasn't clear or you need more info just post it up. Thanks.

 

Sounds like an exhaust leak...

-Jerome

 

Its funny you should mention that because as I was changing my brake pads the other day, I noticed some water dripping down from one of the bolts that secured my exhaust together. Could this be it? Is the fix for this just a tightening of the bolt? Thanks.

 

Did you accidentally bend a brake shield and it's rubbing on the rotor?

 

Sounds more like an exhaust leak to me.

 

exhaust leak probably trigger a CEL.

 

Could be an exhaust leak, but check your front tires for feathering on the outside tread.
My '03, and many others, had this issue and was related to poor end links (compression rods) on the front suspension causing very poor alignment and subsequent bad wear on the front tire(s).

It's evedenced by the raspy sound you described and eventually by some thumping especially at lower speeds.

G/L

Colin.

 

What is that?


I've been hearing the sound since before I changed the rear brakes. I did change the front pads a long time ago though, but I've the sound has only come up recently (a few months).


What would be the solution to the poor end links? Replace them? Also, I do think I have problems with my front suspension because I hear very large creaking sounds some times when I go slowly over uneven ground (speed bumps, driveways). And what exactly would feathering look like?

I will tighten the bolts around that area on the exhaust connection where the water was dripping out and let you know if the sound wen't away.

Also, it might be of some use to note that when I was changing my rear brake pads last week, I noticed that one of my exhaust hooks was not attached to the bushing, it was sagging slightly below it. I inserted it into the bushing (with no little effort). This may have caused some tension on the connections, what do you guys think?

Thanks guys.

 

I tightened the bolts around the exhaust connection where water was dripping out and the noise is louder than ever. The water has stopped dripping but not the noise - I don't think it's an exhaust leak.

Please help. The sound is like a raspy scratchy/clicking sound that is pretty loud (can be heard inside and outside of the cabin of the car). I don't hear it as much at all at high speeds - mainly at lower speeds ( roughly below 45 mph). I'm told it might be that TSB that was put out a while ago for 03 sedans. Before I take it in to the dealer, can anybody help?

 

Sounds like the brake pad indicators. Did you check how much pad you have left?

 

You never mentioned, does it make the sound only when you're moving? Does it make the sound if you rev the engine while not moving?

 

I don't think its that - I changed all four brake pads in the last year. The front outer pads have this metal clip that extends close to the wheels. I'm not sure if this is the way it should be and they could possibly be scratching the wheels - but there is clearance. Does any one know what I mean by these clips on each of the outer front brake pads? They aren't on the rears.

No, it doesn't. I've tried revving the engine while in park or in neutral and I don't hear the sound.

 

Any more ideas guys? The sound is still there and isn't going away.

 

Yes. Have it looked at by a competent mechanic. It's really hard to diagnose something over the internet, especially if you don't know where it's coming from.

 

hei man roy told me about your situation, i would recommend going to temple city auto repair

(626)287-6417

ask for henry and tell him andrei referred you to him because he does work on g35s and see what he can work out with you on having it checked