Help diagnose rubbing sound from front when turning
 

I did a search and I saw a lot about poping ball joints but I am not sure that is my problem.
Symptoms:
Turning left, (only while moving) going at least 10 mph I hear what sounds like a rubbing/grinding noise coming from the front passenger side.
doesn't happen when I turn right, there isn't any poping sounds, just a constant rumbling.
The amount of turn doesn't affect it. If I am turning a little, or have it locked left, it does the same thing.

I jacked up the car and tried to wiggle the wheel to see if it was a wheel bearing. I couldn't detect any wobble.
Neither with the tie rods.

It doesn't look like the wheel is actually touching anything.

Anyone had any experience with this?
it is an R1 if that makes any difference.
Thanks

Remove the wheel and look for points of rubbing.

Most likely it is either the brake backing plate or tire rubbing against the fender lining.

Rumbling that is apparent while turning in only one direction sounds like a bad wheel bearing. Since it is on the RH side and is worse turning left, I would suspect the inner bearing inner race has started to spall or chunk-out (that one on the RH side gets more load turning left). If it were the outer (moving) race of the inner bearing the intensity would cycle with wheel rotation, but you say it is constant.

humm...how much are wheel bearings ( and seals if they are needed)?
I think I am going to replace them anyway...one less thing to worry about... the car is 11 years old now...:)
I will see what that does and post the results...

Why not just pull the wheel off and inspect first?

i agree with dave on the wheel bearing.

it might be the power steering, check fluid level

also, why have you not just pulled off the wheel and looked at the inner fender?

I did inspect the wheel, and saw nothing. I also notice no place inside the wheel well where I see rubbing. I can fit my hand between the wheel and the wheel well plastic all the way around.

If it were the power steering, would I not hear it while turning the wheel when the car is stopped? I only hear it while driving and turning left.

this is a long shot but on mine, its was a bad power plant frame but my grinding noise came from turning both directions

coop,

Take the wheel off the car.

I would also say it's probably a wheel bearing(s). Check the right front bearings.

I took the wheel off the car, I checked the wheel for signs of rubbing, I checked the wheel well for signs of rubbing. I couldn't see anything unusual. I checked tie-rods with the sway bar, I checked for obstructions with the A arm, I looked at the brake shield thing.

I doubt it is the power plant frame since I just replaced it about 400 miles ago. And, yea, it only makes the sound turning one direction.

Anyone know how much wheel bearing should cost?

Sure you aren't just rubbing the fender liner? Lots of cars seem to do it more in one direction or the other.

I haven't found anything, inspecting with removing wheel, and without.
They are the stock wheels anyway...is it common to rub with stock wheels?

Digging up an old thread. My car is behaving exactly how coop's did. It was origionally rubbing but I had the rods and shocks/springs replaced. Its the same as his, a grinding rubbing sound when turning left under power. It doesnt even have to be a hard left, just as long as its under power you hear it.

bump

It turns out mine is actully the transmission touching the tunnel wall when turning, this transfers the rotating noise from the tranny into the car. Mine did this because I did the ls1 swap, but it would seem that any metal contact from a part of the drivetrain would cause the same noise. could be a bad motor mount or tranny mount.
good luck

did the sound go away if you didnt apply any throtle?

I had the same problem with the noise's. It was a wheel bearing, I took the car to the mazda dealer, bearing and install was $180.