I have a 2004 Allroad that has been pretty lovingly cared for by 3 users total over the years. It has a few aftermarket components, such as a chipped ECU and a Hotchkis suspension kit. About a month ago, there was a strange noise coming from the front suspension, particularly at slow speeds. However, it subsided the same day it started, and has not occurred since in a month of consistent driving including a road trip from NYC to Boston and back. However, yesterday it began again, was much more consistent, and louder.

I would describe it as a "moaning" noise in the front half of the car that only happens at slow speeds (< 20 mph) and is directly linked to the rotation speed of the tires (you can hear it speed up/slow down in the recordings below). It almost sounds like it's coming out from inside the dash, but I'm pretty sure it's something in the suspension/drive train. It can be felt as well in the gas pedal when it occurs, as a vibration. Either applying more aggressive acceleration OR applying the brakes both cause the noise to stop. It essentially only occurs at low RPMS (< 2500), without any braking, under 20mph.

Here are some links to the noise that I recorded yesterday:
https://mega.co.nz/#!2Q01kIAR!NgG9Rg...63rRNBIHP27JmA
https://mega.co.nz/#!2E0nmaZI!BDB9-S...qhararVE-2j5v8

My biggest concern is that it's a quick fix now, but could be doing serious damage to the vehicle. Would love to hear any thoughts!

 

Brake shield rubbing?

 

Just to clarify: you're not talking about the caliper, but some other sort of shield? Sorry to be unclear, I just don't do much work on the car myself, so I'm trying to understand which part you're talking about, and if I could check it without removing the wheels!

 

You've got to remove the wheel and see what's going on there and where rubbing occurs.

 

Can you please post some pictures so that we can know what is the main problem in your car

 

I don't really have photos: it's a noise-based problem. I posted the audio files below, unless I'm misunderstanding your request?

 

easiest to check first

next thing i would check would be the cv axles

 

In either of these cases is the car drivable, or should I get it to a mechanic asap?

Thanks!

 

Sounds like it could be a control arm. Sometimes the rubber bushings dry out and start to make creaking/groaning noises.

It's not uncommon for control arms to need replacement over the years.

Jason

 

Can't play your audio message.

If the sound is rotational and varies with speed, it has to be some of the rolling parts like the brake caliper not retracting the pads, the CV joint exposed and contaminated from a torn boot, the wheel bearing failing, etc.