Metallic sound when driving...?

Question

I have '99 automatic and for the past few days I have noticed a metallic sound coming from the wheels. It stops when I apply the brakes or lift the parking brake slighty. Usually I do not hear the noise until 10-15 minutes of driving than it is a constant throughout the drive.

Secondly, there is a louder than usual humming sound when the car is going straight. The slightest shift to the left and the humming sounds subsides. I am assuming these two problems are related as I've noticed the metallic sounds kick in when I am sway the steering wheel to the left and straightening it out.

I'm led to believe it is the wheel bearings but any suggestions would be appreicated.

Answer 1

It would be either your wheel bearing(s) or brakes.

Take it to a mechanic and get him to give it a quick look-over.

Answer 2

fix your brakes.

Answer 3

Have your brakes check. Safety first.

Answer 4

Most likely you're hearing the wear indicator on your brake pad touching the rotor.  These are small metal tangs that touch the rotor ever so lightly when you are running low on brake pad material.  A set of pads can quickly correct your problem; however - any mechanic worth a $hit will tell you to replace rotors AND pads...  or drums and shoes if you have those in the rear.  Rotors these days are made too thin to be re-cut and will warp easily if you "ride" the brakes; this causes the rotors and pads to become cherry red hot and sometimes you will smell the brakes overheating.  Many people rest a foot on the brake pedal as they drive along.  This not only eats up your gas mileage it wears out your brakes much sooner than normal.

Answer 5

The breaks and lining are worn out. If you notice the break, the break pad is pasted on to a iron based so the break lining. When the wheel is running, the break drum gets heated and the parts made of steel / aluminium get expanded and comes into contact and as there is no break lining to minimise the friction, the metal to metal contact, causes severe friction and you get a screeching noise or a noise like a howling of a dog. So change the breaks and break lining, else the break drum will get damaged and  will burn your pocket.