Odd noise while driving

[Phaethar]

Hey all,

This may be a tough issue to describe on a forum, but here goes.

I have an 06 MSP6. It's having it's fair share of issues right now: turbo just started leaking oil all over and my rear differential seals are leaking. These should be getting repaired under warranty however.

There is also a strange noise lately while driving. It's not engine related, as RPMs don't affect it at all. At slow speeds, it kind of sounds like I'm driving on studded tires. It's also louder when I turn the wheel to the right. Straight is quieter, and left is quieter yet. Not gone, but much less noticeable. At higher speeds, it almost sounds like I have an aftermarket exhaust. Only, I don't, and the tone doesn't change if I accelerate or downshift.

I can also feel the vibration from whatever causes the noise in the pedals and steering wheel.

Any ideas what could be causing this? Seems like it has to be something in the drivetrain, but I'm not sure what to look for... (shrug)

 

[keymaster]

It's possibly something like a CV joint or a wheel bearing in the front end, or maybe some other kind of axle issue. A CV joint will start to make noise when you're accelerating while turning, and usually only on one side, and it will sound different depending on which way you turn. As it gets worse, you'll get more grinding while driving straight, and it depends on road speed and not RPM. I went through this with one car...check and see if you have any ripped boots. I suppose it could also have something to do with the differential.

And, obviously, when they work on the differential have them look at this noise too, whatever it is it probably is still under the warranty.

 

[BacDoc]

I get that feeling in the pedals and steering wheel too. I'm assuming it's in the steering rack?