ahh what'd i do

[Ldub]

Another thing to check for, is a small rock wedged between the rotor & the metal splash guard on the back side...sounds crazy, but I've seen it happen & it sounds really bad.

[Triathlete]

If I recall that happened to someone at Moab last year!

[biju]

If I recall that happened to someone at Moab last year!

bwahahahaa... good times. (in retrospect).

-biju.

[VehiGAZ]

Happened to my wife's A3, too! We turned into our street and out of nowhere a nasty grinding noise started up. A 1/4" pebble happened to pop up and into the gap between the shroud and the disk. I was so happy that I was in the car when it happened because I never would have figured out what it was if she had just come home and said those horrible 7 words, "My car is making a funny noise."

Anyway Etlsport, I'd be surprised if that's what's happened to you, because her A3 made that sound constantly - not intermittently. It probably is some dirt or debris that got caught somewhere under there. Start with a bottom-blaster car wash and/or a power washer in the suspension, brakes, etc. Clean her out good and see if that helps.

Good luck!

[MSHardeman]

The rock between the dust shield and brake rotor happened to me last year in Moab, and VehiGAZ is right; it sounds like cat being goosed with a hot poker. It's a HORRIBLE sound and it happens constantly, so I don't think that's your problem. Have you checked the bearings lately?

[etlsport]

THANKS! i came home from my classes and looked back in there.. didnt see anything, but i pulled on the splash guard and nothin happened.. pulled on the passenger side one and it felt a lot different so i went back to the drivers side and wiggled it around a little harder.. i heard a pop and a ting.. and it felt normal again.. took her out for a drive... no more grinding! thanks everyone, i wouldnt have found that for awhile

[VehiGAZ]

Whooo-HOOOO!!! Another ask-the-forum success story!!

[nfpgasmask]

So this was in fact caused by a rock or something jammed around your discs?

Bart

THANKS! i came home from my classes and looked back in there.. didnt see anything, but i pulled on the splash guard and nothin happened.. pulled on the passenger side one and it felt a lot different so i went back to the drivers side and wiggled it around a little harder.. i heard a pop and a ting.. and it felt normal again.. took her out for a drive... no more grinding! thanks everyone, i wouldnt have found that for awhile

[Locomigo]

You can also, upon noticing it, back up several dozen yards and it should self correct (read: rock falls out).Worked for me just about every time. Its happened (used to) a LOT. I finally removed the offending useless guard!