Strange scraping noise in low revs in every gear :S

[Connor376]

Hey guys.

So my Corsa B C20XE has started making a strange scraping noise in low revs.
Sound is coming from the front.
When i set of in first it makes a scraping sound, then stops. Then i change gear and it does it again, and so on?

Any ideas???

TIA

[jamied]

does it do it when you are sat in neutral?

[vectra640]

Jack it up at the front both sides put it on stands, get a mate to go through the gears while you listen for the noise, could be the plates on the back of the discs rubbing the discs maybe, they do get bent quite easily and if you try and bend them away at the top of the disc they push into the disc at the bottom, check for clearance all round the back of the disc and also check the calliper isn't rubbing on the discs check for scoring on the discs front and back

[Connor376]

Its just in low revs whilst in gear.
You think it could be brakes catching? That was my first guess.

[vectra640]

Its possible, my astra did it and it had me baffled till i could see it actually doing it, failing that it could be more severe, I would check brakes first then work from there, is the sound more outside the car or does it feel closer to you for example in the engine bay?

[Connor376]

Its strange and hard to explain, sounds like its underneath or outside the car, just weird how its only in low revs in each gear :S

[vectra640]

Not fan belt screech is it, worn tensioner maybe

[vectra640]

is it a multi V belt or a single narrow V belt

[Connor376]

Funny you should say that!! Everytime I fire my car up the fan belt is screeching!! But that's high pitched, this is more of a scraping noise??

[vectra640]

ok but what type of belt does your XE have wide multi V or Narrow V type and does it have power steering pump on that belt also ?

[Connor376]

Not sure about belt! Steering is electric no hydraulic so no belt

[vectra640]

ok so its just a single belt driving the alternator, older single V type, pre 92 XE, do you get any vibration or is it worse when steering or non existent when reversing etc etc

Tighten the alternator belt by adjusting the tension on the belt on the top bracket, that will stop your high pitched screeching at least

[Connor376]

Not really any vibration, maybe a little bit but hardly noticable..
It only happens when the cars been run for 5-10 mins n warmed up??
I'll tighten the belt first thing, i'll find a how to guide

[vectra640]

Its a long shot but it has been known to get clutch screech, not saying thats your problem but you mentioned you got vibration, is that from wheel imbalance ?

[Connor376]

Wheel may be imbalance! Could do with getting it checked.
The clutch sometimes sounds like its catching, strange high pitched noise, once you dip the clutch it stops..

[Matt U]

Hi I had a nova that made a similar noise to which you are describing unfortunately it was the input shaft bearing on the gearbox, hopefully this isn't
whats wrong with yours as it means taking the box apart.

[Connor376]

Is it a big job buddy?

[Paul]

Well you'll be removing the gearbox.

Really need someone to take a look at this. Noise is a hard thing to solve over the internet.

[Matt U]

Hi Connor,
Paul is right I'm just going by my previous experience with my nova sri. In the end I just replaced the box, but this might not be whats wrong with yours mate.

[Connor376]

Ok, well it only happens after driving for 10 mile or so, then the noise starts. Any ideas? Worth just changing box or? Someones said CV joints might need lubricating ??

[jamied]

as said get someone to look at it, sounds like you don't know what you are looking for and the last thing you need is making it worse.
pop to a local garage and ask them to have a quick look so at least you can point us in the right direction.