Grinding/Rubbing Noise Left Front When Turning

[Pearly]

Well, got mine back from Kia. They replaced the entire subframe and both lower control arms, that seems to have done the trick as far as I've tested today. I'll post back in a week of additional testing to follow up.

If only we knew out of the two.. what the fix was.

 

[kasemodz]

Any update on this? I have the same issue and I hear this issue louder on colder days vs hotter ones. Not sure if anyone else can relate to this observation. Dealer replicated it once but could find the root cause. They went through all the linkages, suspension, and such - everything seems normal.

I guess my question for those who have this issue - how long have you had it? Months, years? If this issue has been ongoing for several years and no impact to driving, then I guess I'd be more relieved.

 

[stinger541]

I'm actually having the same issue with my Stinger currently. My dealer has replaced:

- Strut mount bearings
- Struts
- Wheel bearings

They're currently looking at, with the help of a Kia engineer:

- Body welds (removing fenders, examining body welds along the front frame where torque may be making them move out of position/too far due to poor welds or weak metal)
- Subframe (dropped the subframe, examining the subframe for warping/weak welds/weak steel)

Per the Kia engineer that examined my car, this is not a normal characteristic of the vehicle and should be examined. I guess I'm just lucky enough that my dealer contacted Kia engineering to have this looked at.

If they cannot get any farther with examination, they are going to replace the subframe. What happens after that if it continues is anyone's guess. Below is the video that I had recorded on my dashcam when they were trying to replicate the noise, as well as my personal quick shots of me trying to make it do it.

See, mine does not sound like that. We all may have different issues. Mine happens usually after first starting up, and when I first start going/turning the wheel. From what I am told, it is the AWD system adjusting itself.

 

[socalvn]

See, mine does not sound like that. We all may have different issues. Mine happens usually after first starting up, and when I first start going/turning the wheel. From what I am told, it is the AWD system adjusting itself.

Sounds like my issue but RWD here

 

[D.J.]

From what I am told, it is the AWD system adjusting itself.

What might that even mean? Lol

The AWD "system" consists of various sensors (none of which make noise), and primarily, an adjustable transfer case clutch. The transfer case clutch pressure is constantly being adjusted while driving.

The excuse they gave (AWD system adjusting itself) is hogwash

 

[ShowbizScroll81]

Any update on this? I have the same issue and I hear this issue louder on colder days vs hotter ones. Not sure if anyone else can relate to this observation. Dealer replicated it once but could find the root cause. They went through all the linkages, suspension, and such - everything seems normal.

I guess my question for those who have this issue - how long have you had it? Months, years? If this issue has been ongoing for several years and no impact to driving, then I guess I'd be more relieved.

Mine had been happening since new in '21. It's now been a bit since it was fixed, still no noise. Mine would be minor the warmer it got, but definitely worst when cold. We've had cold days and warm days here, but have not heard it once when it was an 'every time' thing prior.

 

[SP14]

It wasn’t. It was cause the diff oil that was used. I have not heard that sound since I switched the oil out to something different.

what new diff fluid did you use that stopped the noise? Also, do you know what diff fluid comes stock in the diff that makes the noise?

 

[B1ackAlloy]

what new diff fluid did you use that stopped the noise? Also, do you know what diff fluid comes stock in the diff that makes the noise?

I just know people keep bringing up this noise and I had the same exact noise and that was after doing the diff service. The initial fluid that was used was shit. When I went back and had them switched to Motul there has been no issue since.

Anyone that believes it’s normal to hear that noise when the car is cold is delusional. The fluid I used was Motul Gear 300 LS SAE 75W90.

 

[SP14]

I just know people keep bringing up this noise and I had the same exact noise and that was after doing the diff service. The initial fluid that was used was shit. When I went back and had them switched to Motul there has been no issue since.

Anyone that believes it’s normal to hear that noise when the car is cold is delusional. The fluid I used was Motul Gear 300 LS SAE 75W90.

Yeah it’s definitely not normal. It’s also a little harder to turn the steering wheel and makes a bit of a humming/ howling sound when I make turns.

Wouldn’t this be covered under warranty since it’s clearly a recognized issue for the stingers? Was yours done under warranty? No idea how I can prove to the dealer the stock fluid is making the noise. Also I have the AWD 2022 2.5l, can I still use Motul Gear 300 LS SAE 75W90?

 

[GalacticDrew]

I have this same issue. Bought the car new in January of 2021 and the second winter in late 2022 it started. I noticed it when backing out of a parking spot with the steering wheel rotated all the way to the left and then shifting into drive and turning the wheel all the way to the right. As the wheels started to spin forward there was this slight grinding sound as described earlier from the front end. Now, 2 years later and 3 visits to the dealer (in 2023 I gave up taking it in anymore) I still have the sound and it is much louder and longer, especially in the cold. It happens every time the vehicle sits for ~20min. Every time I go to the dealer "they can't replicate it." Took a tech on a drive and forced him to hear it and they just tightened the wheel lugs... I was going to let it go but I am worried the suspension or components or something is quickly wearing down to an unsafe state.

If anyone has actually fixed this issue I would love to know what it was.

 

[MYSLOW2023KIA]

I have this same issue. Bought the car new in January of 2021 and the second winter in late 2022 it started. I noticed it when backing out of a parking spot with the steering wheel rotated all the way to the left and then shifting into drive and turning the wheel all the way to the right. As the wheels started to spin forward there was this slight grinding sound as described earlier from the front end. Now, 2 years later and 3 visits to the dealer (in 2023 I gave up taking it in anymore) I still have the sound and it is much louder and longer, especially in the cold. It happens every time the vehicle sits for ~20min. Every time I go to the dealer "they can't replicate it." Took a tech on a drive and forced him to hear it and they just tightened the wheel lugs... I was going to let it go but I am worried the suspension or components or something is quickly wearing down to an unsafe state.

If anyone has actually fixed this issue I would love to know what it was.

Did you ever figure it out?

 

[stinger541]

Did you ever figure it out?

Mine was looked at by a Kia regional tech that was sent out by corporate. He said it was working as intended, that the noise is the electronic power steering and AWD system making adjustments. Said it will usually happen after being parked, as it adjusts as it starts driving again. I do hear it more now, in the cold weather. I just had my brakes done and I had them check it for safety, etc...they could not find anything that needed replacing (knocking on wood, lol). I am at 60K miles. I can only hope that what they said was the truth. I have not driven in many other AWD/electronic steering cars so I do not have something to compare it to.

 

[Sabs]

Adding to this. There are a few threads on similar issues, but this is the one with the most recent posts. Hopefully everyone can keep adding to this.

I have this issue on a 5 year old RWD GT2 with 42k.

Definitely seems to be suspension or front subframe related on mine. Being RWD eliminates the diff as a possibility. Tires were replaced recently with no change.

To me it sounds similar to if there's a rock under the tire on pavement and you turn the wheel at low speed - kind of a crunching, popping noise from the front driver's side.

I only hear the noise at low speed, and most often when the wheel is turned close to full lock.

I'm out of warranty, so I won't be taking it in to the dealer until there's a known fix or it affects drivability. It's been happening for several months and hasn't seemed to worsen yet. I may consider getting an automotive noise finder like this if the problem worsens, though it may be hard to get the leads to some areas.

 

[stinger541]

Adding to this. There are a few threads on similar issues, but this is the one with the most recent posts. Hopefully everyone can keep adding to this.

I have this issue on a 5 year old RWD GT2 with 42k.

Definitely seems to be suspension or front subframe related on mine. Being RWD eliminates the diff as a possibility. Tires were replaced recently with no change.

To me it sounds similar to if there's a rock under the tire on pavement and you turn the wheel at low speed - kind of a crunching, popping noise from the front driver's side.

I only hear the noise at low speed, and most often when the wheel is turned close to full lock.

I'm out of warranty, so I won't be taking it in to the dealer until there's a known fix or it affects drivability. It's been happening for several months and hasn't seemed to worsen yet. I may consider getting an automotive noise finder like this if the problem worsens, though it may be hard to get the leads to some areas.

Yup, happens at low speed and when turned most of the way. Again, though, I am told it is the electronic steering and AWD system adjusting.

 

[pahoynaas]

Hi, anyone else experience this? Usually when I am stopped, or just getting going, and am turning the wheel. Like if I was parallel parking, or turing the wheel to get ready to leave. I often get what sounds like a rubbing/grinding/scraping noise from the left front. It is a short, 'quick' noise, like something adjusted and reset. The tire is not rubbing on anything, had it looked over. It does not do this at higher speeds (yet).

Making me worried my steering assembly is a mess or something. It is not the normal CV joint clicking sound.

I too, am having this issue. I purchased my 2022 GT line from a dealership with an extended bumper-to-bumper warranty so I will be bringing it in to get it. Looked at using that warranty and will post back if they find anything and what the fix is… If anything. Fingers crossed!

 

[Sabs]

Small update for me - not sure if this will be helpful to others. Maybe something to try if you're out of warranty and have access to a lift or jack.

Just had an oil change done at the dealership. I didn't even mention this issue, but I think they noticed the noise and worked on it. Must have been very minor work, since it wasn't even listed on the multipoint inspection part of the receipt so no parts were changed.

I'm wondering if they put lubricant on components such as the steering knuckles or control arms when it was on the lift. Immediately after getting it back, the noise has been far less frequent and loud. Still hearing a bit of it, but it's much improved.

 

[socalvn]

Here is what I'm hoping is the solution to this issue, Install pending

 

[popej]

Here is what I'm hoping is the solution to this issue, Install pending View attachment 90720

@socalvn Did it help?