So my 85 GL has taken up the habit of letting out a horrible Sheek-sheek-sheek that seems to be eminating from the front right wheel - the frequency corresponds to the car's velocity, not the engine's revs. It's that distinct gut-wrenching sound of metal scraping metal. I thought that perhaps the front disc was warped, but that does not seem to be the culprit. Any ideas what might be going on here?

 

If it's not obvious from my post, I am very new to understanding cars, how they work, and how to fix them, so any help or suggestions would be tremendously appreciated.

 

Thanks everyone.

wheel bearing is my first guess.

I did them myself but I have a fair bit of wrenching experience.

 

you can land a used hub from a junkyard which will be easier to install.

 

welcome to USMB.

I would recommend getting your wheel bearings looked at. Does it happen while you are turning or just driving in general? I'm not sure on your wrenching experience, but they are relatively easy and cheep to replace yourself. I would say 3-4 hours and less than $50 in bearings, grease and seals plus a jack, wrenches, latex gloves and some rags. http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=77491 check out this post and you will be able to see what it takes. Good luck. Or like zukiru said, pull a used hub from a junk yard with bearings already in it, but then it is a guess if they are still good.

bad wheel bearings, when bad enough, will cause the outer edge of the rotor to drag along the caliper bracket. look for wear pon the edge of the rotor.

Thanks, folks. Wheel bearings. Larry Owens and I will have to take a look...