On my most recent road trip my car(2004 Cavalier) started making a type of grinding noise up front. At first I thought it was the wheel bearing so I had replaced that and the noise didnt go away. Then I replaced the axle on the driver side and the noise is still there. When I am turning left the noise is moderately louder and when I turn right the noise goes away. I am puzzled by this and have no idea what to do next. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

i have the same issue on my 97 j ... try to replace the spindle nut. im no pro but thats what i think.

that was replaced with the new axle

Have you looked @ the brake rotors and the brake pads they could be causing a grind noise, Also brake caliper could be sticking as well. Also I would look @ the tranny mount, Slightless movement could with a rubber mount split or broke,n could cause that to happen also.


Good Luck

I have the exact same problem as the OP. It has the classic signs indicating a bad wheel bearing but I replaced it twice.
While checking things out a few days ago, I noticed that the axle stubs coming out of the transmission are rather loose. Is this normal for Cavaliers (2000 with 4-speed auto)

I solved the noise problem. It was the other front wheel bearing. This bad wheel bearing would become a lot noisier when unloaded.