Hello everyone,

I have owned my Buick for about 3 years now - I am now noticing a noise coming from the front of the vehicle when I am making left turns.
It sounds like metal on metal rubbing - almost like having sex on a squeaky bed.
I did capture a video of it. I will try and upload it here or if I cannot I will do a youtube link.

I think it is either a CV Axle or Wheel Bearing. The only issue is I have never heard this noise from either and I am not really sure how to replicate the issue with the car on the jack.
I didn't get a chance to jack the car up today because we are getting rain and hail - I know if its the wheel bearing I will probably have some play if I try and wiggle the tire.

If it is the CV I don't know how to test for it - I also am not sure how to replace this either or if it is going to be a huge project or not.
I am assuming that since it is happening when I turn left it is likely an issue with the front driver'* side CV or Wheel. Do you think this is a fair assumption?

I just kind of am looking for guesses on what it might be - if you think it is the CV. What am I looking at job wise? I can do a fair amount of work on a car, but would I be getting myself into too much by trying to replace this myself?
I know some cars have half shafts, but I think its typically on the passenger side. So I am also thinking I am going to have to pull this axel out of the transmission completely.
If that is the case - should I empty the trans fluid? If so, what kind should I replace it with and I am also not sure where it goes in.
This is an Automatic V6 3.8.

Thanks for any help you might be able to offer.

Looks like I am going to have to upload to youtube.
Also, I know the PS is making noise, but the res is full - and it has always made noise since I had it - I am not sure why.

First it would be better on dry pavement to hear that......sounds like PS? Are you going all the way to the left with the steering wheel for this turn?

Sometimes the dust (behind rotor)shield is bent inward, and on turns can touch rotor to make a scraping sound...just something to check....

You have checked pads/wear indicator?

Wheel bearings make a roaring sound that increases with speed up to about 40 mph.......driving straight ahead, turning SLIGHTLY LEFT GIVES YOU A ROAR......turning back to center the noise is either gone or diminished greatly....a bearing can make a noise WITHOUT any looseness in it.....

That is not a CV noise...is there any grease flung from boot to undercarriage?

I couldn't hear it in the video. Mostly I could hear your tired power steering pump and road noise. Might want to try the same video on concrete. Still, without knowing of a bad diagnosis of a wheel bearing and/or half-shaft and hearing your description of the noise, I suspect a joint is noisy and either needs a lube or needs a replacement.

Yeah, lift that corner with the wheels straight. Check for side-to-side play by grabbing the top of the tire like a lumberjack and yanking it inwards and outwards. Should be none.

Then put the transmission in neutral and turn the steering all the way to the left. Turn the wheel slowly while inspecting the CV boots. If they're not split open or leaking anywhere then they're good. I haven't seen one fail with good boots yet in my life, although I suppose it is possible.

Usually a leaking boot, or later when enough grease has come out then clicking when you turn because it'* no longer lubricated and it'* full of dirt and water now.

Depends on your experience level and resources. It'* easier if you change the wheel bearing at the same time, and depending on how many miles are on it. My advice: don't pound the half shaft out on a wheel bearing you want to keep. Press it instead.

Half shafts are the slang for the jointed axle assembly on either side of a differential or transaxle that is driving independently suspended wheels. Your car has one on each side.

Yeah, you'll pull that half shaft out of the transaxle, then a bunch of transmission fluid will drain out.

No. But have a drain pan handy when you pull the half-shaft.

Dexron 6 from a reputable manufacturer. It goes in the dipstick tube. Don't overfill it.

It'* tired. They get this way. Pretty soon you'll notice more of the noise when you're steering it in a parking lot. The fix is to replace it, and with a high-quality pump.

Looks like Tech II responded while I was typing. What he said ^^^^^^ too.

Thank you, everyone, for the replies.

I was unable to do much checking on the car it has been raining and hailing outside.
I am going to try and get under the car next weekend or later this coming week if the weather works with me.

At least I have an idea now of what to look for and that is a huge help. I will look at getting the PS Pump replaced as well.
I will report back with my findings once I get it figured out.

Thank you all again!

Please let us know how it turns out!