Do you notice a rubbing noise from front wheel when driving? There must be problems with certain car parts, and you need to fix them as soon as possible.
The sound seems like a minimal issue. However, over time, it will affect some components and the whole system. So do not risk your life with something you can repair.
This article will explain the possible causes of the rubbing noise. You can then find the solution for each. Let’s jump into the details!
Rubbing Noise From Front Wheel When Driving? +5 Causes
Any problem in the tires, brake system, bearings, and CV joints will cause noise in your car’s front wheel. We will discuss each in this section. Please check to identify which case you are encountering.
Tires
A defective tire is one of the major causes of the noise. It will create a rubbing sound when driving slow, especially on rugged or stony roads.
However, the noise is only a part of the problem. If you don’t fix the faulty tire soon, you will face severe risks when traveling across difficult conditions.
Brake System
A car’s brake system includes the rotor, pad, and caliper. Each of these components plays a different role. And once they have problems, you will notice a rubbing sound as a sign.
- Rotor
Sometimes you brake too hard to stop suddenly. In this case, the temperature of the brake rotor increases, warping the brake rotor.
While the good rotor has a smooth surface, there are fine lines on the warped one. You will also hear a squeaking sound from the worn rotor. When the problem worsens, your car may have scraping noises.
- Pad
There are two potential issues with your brake pad: wear and bad quality. Both may lead to the noise from front wheel when driving slow.
As you push the brake pedal, if you notice a grinding or squeaking sound, it may indicate that the brake pads have worn out.
The wear in the pads is unavoidable because they work with friction. Also, the backing plate may lose its material over time, causing the metal to touch the rotor.
As a result, if you don’t replace the pad soon, the backing plate will destroy the rotor, leading to grooves and damage.
Poor-quality brake pads have the same problem. They may use bad materials, which will rub on the rotor and cause damage.
- Caliper
When pressed, the brake pedal generates a vacuum within the master cylinder. It then moves the piston in and out of the calipers.
However, when the calipers can’t work normally, the piston may get stuck in the close or open position rather than moving between them.
If the piston remains in the open setting, you will notice a rubbing noise when braking. Other components will suffer from damage, too. More specially, the brake rotors and pads will fail first.
Wheel Bearings
The wheel bearings hold the wheel in its position securely. You can find them in the front wheel.
Your wheels’ ability to roll depends on these wheel bearings. For example, they ensure minimal to no friction when the wheels are moving.
In general, proper lubrication can help wheel bearings last for a long time. Unfortunately, the bearings still wear out.
If the wheel bearings can’t work properly, friction between the parts may arise. While accelerating slowly or driving slowly, it will produce a rubbing sound. What’s worse, those parts will experience excess wear.
CV Joints
The stability and comfort of your automobile depend heavily on the CV (Constant Velocity) joints. Unlike a regular axle, the CV axle may move freely vertically due to bearings.
Grease lubricates the joint’s bearings. So when the joint ages, it starts to lose its ability to lubricate, or could potentially leak.
The CV joint will make a rubbing sound from front wheel when turning when it is working if not lubricated. The sound will be audible if you are decelerating for a turn.
Material Rubbing
Several components contribute to the operation of the wheel. However, they will wear out after traveling across different terrains and weather conditions.
The most common consequence of wear and tear is that those components will leave their original positions and may hit each other.
In the end, there can be friction between the materials. You will finally hear a rubbing noise when driving on the road.
How To Fix The Rubbing Noise From Front Wheel When Driving?
You can come up with the right solution for your car after identifying the damage’s causes and severity. Here are some steps you should take.
Step 1: Lift your car
Because you are encountering a problem with the front wheel, you must examine this component closely. So, lift it using a mechanical jack to observe the bottom part.
Step 2: Check the brake
The brake system consists of multiple components. Each requires a different treatment.
- Brake pads
These parts are easy to fix. You just need to replace the worn-out or misaligned pads. If the components that hold the pads in place have problems, ask for a professional fix.
- Brake rotors and calipers
These brake components are more complicated to deal with. If you ensure that the rubbing noise comes from the rotors or calipers, take your car to the mechanic store to fix it. But if you are confident about your mechanic skills and knowledge, repair them yourself.
Step 3: Check the tires
Tires may be the simplest part of the car to remove or replace because we can take them off and reinstall them quickly.
Tires have multiple potential issues. Here is what you should do with each:
- Torn, flat, or damaged tires: You must replace them with spare tires.
- Underinflated tires: Reinflate the tires with air pumps. You can do it at home or the auto store.
- Leaked tires: You can repair the leak or reinstall the tire if it’s still intact.
You only want professional assistance to solve a tire issue if the wheel structure gets twisted or otherwise damaged. This case demands specialized tools to get fixed.
Step 4: Check the bearings
The lack of lubrication may cause the bearings to malfunction. Hence, you must perform this treatment regularly, especially for the bearings and brake system.
If the bearings have worn out, the only solution is to replace them. Professional mechanics will help you do it.
Step 5: Check your car
Finally, get into your car and drive to see whether the wheels still make the rubbing noise. If the problem persists, contact the repair shop to have your car serviced thoroughly.
Can You Drive With The Rubbing Noise In The Front Wheel When Driving?
No. Driving with an unusual noise from the front wheel is never a good idea. The noise may indicate many problems that harm your safety and your vehicle.
A loose or broken wheel bearing, worn brake system, problems with the suspension system, or other factors might be to blame for the rubbing sounds. They might affect your ability to drive properly, resulting in accidents and breakdowns.
Conclusion
Multiple causes lead to the rubbing noise from front wheel when driving. You should first check the tires, brakes, bearings, and CV joints. After identifying the cause, you can figure out how to fix it.
Even after you repair the noise successfully, maintenance is always a must. Hence, keep an eye on every part of your vehicle and lubricate when needed.
Hopefully, the rubbing noise won’t annoy you anymore. If you know any further tips to handle this case, do not hesitate to share them with us.
Thank you for reading!
