Grinding Noise

[braindeadracefan]

First off, I'm new to the site and a new Trans Am owner. I recently bought a 1986 Trans Am, and it's in great shape except for this awful grinding/dragging noise it makes sometimes. Usually, it only happens after I've had the car up to highway speeds for a little while, then when I pull off it grinds when I turn it at slow speeds. Really embarassing on road trips when I pull into the gas station. But it goes away after the car has been sitting for a while and doesn't make it when I'm just driving around town. An acquaintence suggested polyurethane bushings to fix it. I have no idea, and when I take it to the mechanic, I don't want to go empty handed and get screwed. Any ideas?

[raroZ28]

Ball joints are possible. Maybe they need to be greased. It's in the front suspension right? Pull the wheel on whichever side is grinding and check things out.

[Master of Stiks]

You said it happens when you turn the wheels? Is it powersteering? Might be wheel bearings also. If I were you I would crawl around and grease the living daylights out of everything and see if that helps.

[pete]

Where is the sound comming from? Front? Rear?, Left side? Right Side? Engine/transmission? Does it make more noise when rolling? When turning the steering wheel left or right?

[braindeadracefan]

The sound seems to be coming from the front, both sides, when the wheel is turning either direction, more so when it is rolling...

[pete]

Does the sound go away when its rolling and you apply the brakes?

[braindeadracefan]

Nope, as long as it's moving, the grinding is there.

[pete]

Probably front wheel bearings. Lost their grease packing, and when they heat up they make noise. Not too healthy to keep driving on them, could loose a wheel. You'll know for sure when you pull the wheels off, and start to check 'em

[braindeadracefan]

Thanks Pete.