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Buick LeSabre noise when turning right
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shirlxjohn
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Jan 4, 2007, 1:46 PM
Post #1 of 7
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Buick LeSabre noise when turning right
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 Own 1999 Buick LeSabre (w/ ABS) - 76,000 miles -- always had regular maintenance. Started making a loud noise like a fan blade was hitting metal whenever turned right; sound appeared to come from left front wheel. Had noise checked at both Buick dealer and regular mechanic (we have used both). Neither could pinpoint problem. Mechanic unhooked fan and still made same noise -- thought possible that motor mounts (which appeared to need to be replaced) were bad. Had new factory mounts installed -- did not solve problem. The noise sounds exactly like the noise a fan blade would make hitting metal and only happens when we turn left. They have checked wheels, etc. and cannot find source of noise. This does not affect the driving of the vehicle; just driving us nuts every time we turn right. Also, not knowing if it is something that could be dangerous driving. Any suggestions would really be appreciated.
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steve01832
Veteran
Jan 5, 2007, 4:04 AM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: Buick LeSabre noise when turning right
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I would start with jacking up the vehicle and turning the steering wheel to see if the noise is there while the vehicle is not moving. Really check out the lower ball joints and upper strut mounts. They both will make noises if they are bound up. Also, check the CV joints for any play. If you have worn CV joints they will make a crackling noise when the wheel is turned. If the CV boots are torn, that is a good indicator that the grease has been lost and foreign debris is getting inside which will render the joint to fail real quickly.
Steve
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DanD
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/ Moderator
Jan 5, 2007, 5:33 AM
Post #3 of 7
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Re: Buick LeSabre noise when turning right
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This may sound right off the wall here but have them pull the starter motor and check whether the starter drive return spring has not broken. This return spring is designed to hold the starter drive gear away from the engine’s flywheel’s ring gear after the engine has been started. When the spring breaks the starter drive can float on the starter armature and bounce off the rotating flywheel making a sound as you described.
The first one that I found drove me crazy looking for it because we could not reproduce it here in the shop. Like you said it would only do it making turns and no there never was any indication of a starter problem. Why only on turns is because the engine is transverse (sitting side ways) and the g-force of the turn forces the drive to slide out.
The second one that I found was on a 99 Jimmy. Customer’s complaint was that the truck was making a loud noise every time he started the thing in his lane way. Of course it was dead silent when I checked it here; so I told the customer if it did it again too call me and I would go to his home to have a listen. The next morning as I’m driving up to his house I can hear his noise; I also noticed that the lane way had a steep slop and the front of the Jimmy was at least 8 inches higher then the rear. Again with this spring broken the starter dive was allowed to slid back and hit the spinning flywheel. Jimmy’s are rear or four wheel drive and the engine sits forwards between the wheels.
Sorry for the long post I didn’t know how else to explain it?
It'll only take them 10 or 15 minutes to pull the starter back and check this. So if I'm wrong you're not into a big expence.
Dan.
Canadian "EH"
(This post was edited by DanD on Jan 5, 2007, 5:34 AM)
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shirlxjohn
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Jan 5, 2007, 10:25 PM
Post #4 of 7
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Re: Buick LeSabre noise when turning right
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 Dan,
Thank you so much for your reply to my question. You were absolutely astounding correct on your diagnosis of it being the starter. Our mechanic had notified us that he had finally solved the problem just before I viewed your reply (he had our car for two days trying to figure out the problem -- he was extremely frustrated that he could not pinpoint it). Our car is now fixed and when we went to pick it up, I showed our mechanic your reply and he was amazed.
Thanks ever so much again for your prompt reply and amazing diagnosis. Is there any way I can address any future auto questions to your attention? If not, I sure hope you monitor this site so I am lucky enough to catch your attention.
Thank you,
Shirl
(This post was edited by shirlxjohn on Jan 5, 2007, 10:29 PM)
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steve01832
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Jan 6, 2007, 5:28 AM
Post #5 of 7
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Re: Buick LeSabre noise when turning right
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Good job Dan. It always pays off to have a second "set of eyes" look at something to get a different approach to solving a problem. That holds true in the shop and holds true here as well. Again, good job.
Steve
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DanD
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/ Moderator
Jan 6, 2007, 6:31 AM
Post #6 of 7
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Re: Buick LeSabre noise when turning right
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Thanks for posting the fix.
As for getting a hold of me; you could send a personal message through the board. But I think your best bet to get your questions answered is to post them to the forums. All of the regulars here are very experienced, knowledgeable people that want to help; just for the sake of helping.
Thanks again and don’t be afraid to reply to a post yourself; one of your experiences may help someone else.
Dan.
Canadian "EH"
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 6, 2007, 6:36 AM
Post #7 of 7
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Re: Buick LeSabre noise when turning right
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Way to go Dan!! Love to see success. We all read and work hard here for sure to the point I can barely keep up. I don't know how Dan, Steve and Carjunky themselves do it?? Have a great day, T
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