Grinding noise when turning left

[ben swann]

Interesting.  I've had a similar noise that I've noticed since I got
my '91 200 20V tq avant in January.  The car makes grinding airplane
(sometimes helicoptor like) noise especially when turning/loaded to the
left, a tad on the straights and noise dissapears turning right.  I
have assumed that is is a wheel bearing, and am prepping for major
surgery.

If someone finds there is some different quirk happening with these
cars, I'd appreciate knowing.  I have never had a wheel bearing go at
the early age of 107K miles.  Of course everything looks fine with no
CV boot damage, and of course you can't tell a wheel bearing is bad by
looking at it - 'cept maybe after removal.

Ben

[From: "Derek Pulvino" <dbpulvino at hotmail.com>
To: 200q20v at audifans.com
Cc: ptanders at attbi.com
Subject: Re: Grinding noise when turning left
Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2003 17:51:39 -0700

Pat,

I've noticed the same in my car for some time as well, and the source
has baffled me.  It sounds a lot like a CV, but the boot is fine.  And,
it does only happen at or very near full lock...going left.

I can definetely tell it's from the front left wheel, but not sure
what's causing it.  Somebody had suggested maybe a bad ball joint,
allowing excess movement, but I imagine if that was the case I'd hear
going both directions, and I'd have some tracking issues...not the case.

I too am confused on this one.

Derek P]