Metal scraping/ticking from front wheel?

[cctaylor88]

2006 Infiniti G35 Sedan

For several months now I have had this clicking/ticking noise like a metal on metal almost from (what I think is) my front end, specifically the driver's side. It occurs all the time now, I'm talking low speeds (even idling into the garage), high speeds on the freeway, any speed at all. I don't believe it has anything to do with the engine but instead the revolutions of my tire(s) as it is non-stop as long as the car is in motion (and changes not at all when I accelerate for example), the faster I drive the faster the ticking occurs.

I'm almost 100% certain it isn't loose lug nuts anything like that. It's an actual like metal scraping (nothing heavy duty like a grinding but a scrape) If I were to idle into my driveway for example you can hear this elongated light scraping. Now if I were to drive 75mph on the freeway its this constant tick tick tick because you're going so fast and the tire is rotating.

I'm going to start with replacing my front brake pads and rotors, but I highly doubt it will be that simple. Although one can hope.

 

[repoman0]

Wheel bearing failing?

Probably has nothing to do with your brake pads or rotors ...

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Could be the wear doodad on your brake pad, but if it's not that I'd probably take it to a shop ASAP since it could be something serious.

 

[PottedMeat]

there might be a metal shield behind the rotor - that could be bent and making contact giving you the noise

 

[Meghan54]

Could be the wear doodad on your brake pad, but if it's not that I'd probably take it to a shop ASAP since it could be something serious.

Kinda what I was thinking, the wear sensor on the brake pad is striking the rotor. Pad wears enough and the sensor rides the rotor constantly, giving a metal-on-metal scraping sound.

OP, I'd investigate the brake pads and rotors first. Eliminate the easy and obvious before resorting to digging into problems that occur less frequently.

 

[RathaxX]

So I had the same problem and the dust shield had bent a little when I did my breaks and sat my caliper on top, thought it had been my cv axle but didn’t click while turning just going straight. I took a ratchet extension and pushed on it in different spots through the wheel and no more clicking. Shit drove me nuts and I was relieved it wasn’t anything huge. I hope this helps though I know this is years later.

 

[Torn Mind]

So I had the same problem and the dust shield had bent a little when I did my breaks and sat my caliper on top, thought it had been my cv axle but didn’t click while turning just going straight. I took a ratchet extension and pushed on it in different spots through the wheel and no more clicking. Shit drove me nuts and I was relieved it wasn’t anything huge. I hope this helps though I know this is years later.

Rust can also cause a minor squeak in drum brakes. It doesn't mean function is compromised, but such things are an open invitation to chasing ghosts or if one is not DIY-inclined, an opportunity for a slimeball to persuade someone to agree to a mechanic diagnostic and lose some good money.

This is also the reason brakes should be greased up where necessary even if can tolerate the annoyance.

 

[skyking]

I've had small rocks get behind the dust shield and get stuck in a groove there, and make some annoying noises. I'd look for something like that, it is a freebie.
I flexed the plate with my hands and got it out of there.