02 Chevy Impala has been giving somewhat of a grinding noise when I turn my steering wheel EITHER direction. I can especially notice it when I'm idle (in a parking space with motor still on) and turn my wheel either direction. Here's what makes it different than alot of posts - The noise only seems to happen during the first few minutes of car use. When I get to work 15 minutes later, the noise doesn't seem to be there (or at least as obvious). Any ideas???

One day when I was driven I heard something come off my car.. Every since i been having this problem. And another observation I notice, when I took my oil cap off while the car is running...the noise got louder and the car cut off. (Maybe thats a different problem, not sure)

What engine does this have?
How many miles on it?
Have you checked all your fluid levels including power steering?




78 Corvette Pace Car For Sale-18k mi orig-Florida

3.4l
125,000
My fluids are ok

?? Something to try - change PS fluid to a sythetic.

"Something fell off" Are you sure it was your car? Anything seen missing?

T
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Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston

Yeah, something came off when I was driving on the hwy. It sounded like a nize size piece of metal hit underneth my car. Or the sound of a hubcap came off underneth a car while driving on the hwy.

Hmmm? A 2002 could have been made in 2001 - see door jam for production date.

This thing falling off could have been some exhaust heat shield but also really shouldn't cause engine noise? If a remaining part was rattling it might so just an inspection would tell.

I seen brake dust shields rust out in you are in a rust belt but still doesn't account for an engine noise? IDK - could be two things going on with this?

T
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Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston

yeah, I might just take it in for inspection. idk...

when my car is running but is not moving....I hear the noise mostly when i turn the wheel either left or right.. or sometimes when the car idle (ex.. at a red light).
the longer i sit the louder is gets. When I start driving the noise cease

Growling/humming type sound

Aha - idea! Could it be the electric fan(s)?

They would be on at lower speeds and back off at higher speeds,

T
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Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston