Hi all, I've recently noticed that on my 2005 Gen 2, after starting the car, the first few miles I drive produce a gentle metallic rhythmic scraping sound coming from the right rear wheel. It's only audible when driving at low speeds (<30 mph), and seems to disappear after the car has been driven for a few miles. But when I start the car fresh the next day, it has reappeared. The rate of the scraping noise varies directly with the speed I'm driving. I think it only happens when I'm coasting (in Drive), and possibly also when I'm braking. My guess is something is slightly misaligned or rusty - a disc brake? And the noise "disappears" when the metal gets warmed up? Does anyone know what this could be, and how to fix?
Yes, it could be that the right rear drum brake (assuming you are in North America, not Europe) is dragging very slightly. If that is the case, the fix is to slightly loosen the brake adjustment for that wheel.
Is it perhaps closer to a rattling sound than a scraping sound? I had a similar problem with the heat shielding on the exhaust system that went away once the car warmed up. My friend fixed it by giving my tailpipe a real firm shake.
I have a strong gut sense that this is the correct diagnosis. I am indeed in North America. How much should I expect this repair to cost? Can I wait to repair it? Is it damaging to leave as is for awhile? No, it is definitely more a metallic, rhythmic scrape, and not a rattle. Does anyone else agree? Would a wheel bearing cause a metallic, rhythmic scrape that disappears after being driven for a few miles?
If the brake shoes need adjusting, that is a very simple repair and any competent mechanic can do it. Depending upon labor costs in your area this might cost $50 or less. Yes, you can wait to repair, after a while the brake shoe high spot will wear off and then no adjustment will be needed. It is also possible that the rear wheel bearing might be the problem, but if that is the case then you can expect the noise symptoms to get worse over time.
