Grinding noise - intermittent

[gti_jim]

Hi↲Noticed a grinding noise a few times today - sounds like the noise a train makes when its going slowly - like the train grinding against the track. It came on randomly, got progressively louder, so loud i was expecting the engine to explode, and went after a couple of minutes.↲It didn't get louder with braking or acceleration or steering and the only way to stop it is to turn the engine off. When i start the engine, it can take 5 mins to get the noise again.↲It still accelerates/brakes as normal.↲Any ideas what it might be? I'm thinking fan belt, but have no mechanical experience to back that up with - plus i thought that was more of a screech, this sounds like metal against metal. Car is a 05 gti with 63k miles... And i haven't spent all day driving next to a train track!!↲Thanks - Jim

[critter]

Hi Jim, sorry this is not going to be of any help but our car has had the same noise,only been doing it for about a month and seems to be
when the weather is fine,and the car is dry.
We had ours checked over by a very reputable garage not main dealer,typically it didnt make the noise the whole time,but it was raining
on the way there. All the usual checks were done and nothing was found ,it looks like i will be booking it in for a more detailed check.
Ours is a 56 plate with the same mileage, so if you find out what it is i would love to know Thanks chris

[gti_jim]

Hi Chris↲Good to know i'm not alone! Been looking online and most likely is a bit of gravel or something of similar size stuck in the calipers. Apparently grit can also get stuck in there - and it was snowing up here yesterday, which is when it all started. Not sure why it wouldn't grind all the time but all symptoms seemed the same.↲Took it to the garage yesterday - they checked the fan belt, suspension, steering rack, etc and couldn't find anything wrong.↲Think i'll put up with the embaressment until it gets serviced next week - i'll ask them to remove and clean up the calipers. Will keep you posted,↲Jim

[biilyb]

Hi
  I have had the same problem. Sometimes  small stones or grit gets in between the brake disc and the guard behind disc . All i did was move or bend the guard and it stop. its only happen a couple of times usually on the back discs. this might help. The noise is quite high pitched But it starts almost out of nothing.

[critter]

Hi that all sounds possible because the day before the noise appeared i had cleaned the car,and did jet wash up round the arches ,
so could well have blown some grit in there,so will have a look first chance i get.

[biilyb]

Would you believe the noise i was on about. My car has got it again except this time the guard is rubbing on the disc great.

[gti_jim]

My cars getting serviced at Autohaus tomorrow (http://www.autohausedinburgh.co.uk/). I have advised them of the problem and where it looks to be coming from - Will be interesting to put them to the test, as they get glowing reviews.

All i did was move or bend the guard and it stop. its only happen a couple of times usually on the back discs. this might help. The noise is quite high pitched But it starts almost out of nothing.

billyb - Are you suggesting that moving the guard isn't such a great idea as it might start rubbing on the disc or is it an easy fix?

I'll keep you posted tomorrow...

Jim

[no golf clubs at all]

Stones inbetween rear of brake disc and dust guard...I carry about a screwdriver just to push the guard back slightly and release any trapped stones.

The sound is out of ALL proportion for the size of the stone trapped...quite scary at first! 

[biilyb]

 hope your service goes ok. i stay near glasgow and i struggle to find anybody who seems interested in the car. rather than just the money at the end of it. the guard is not any of the shelf part it takes 2 days to get it in. its only about 16 pounds though.