Hi, I’m a new member seeking, any advice please,  regarding a grating/grinding sound I’m getting (particularly at low speed) which appears to lessen as the engine warms up. (I think the sound is like brakes when they are worn down). The noise corresponds with the revolution of the wheels……a friend has suggested gearbox issue. Any advice/ help would be greatly appreciated, as I am not mechanically minder. My car is a 2009, 1.8 SE automatic and has 62,000 miles. Many thanks for any help out there. Kindest regards. Steve

Could be a sticking caliper piston. One way to tell if you have a sticking piston that keeps the brake pads rubbing on the disc is when youve parked up after a drive see if you can feel excess heat coming from any brake disc more than the others 

Hi Steve, thanks for your response. Did as you suggested, but it doesn’t appear to be that. Others I have spoken to seem to think it’s gearbox issue…….Aghhh!, kindest regards and thanks again. Steve

It's hard to be sure without actually hearing the sound, but your description suggests one or more of the brakes is either not releasing properly or there is debrid trapped between disc and pad. Does the noise change when the brakes are firmly applied?

Thanks Clifford, no it doesn’t. I’m almost sure now (thanks for everyone’s help) that it’s not brake related, but a gearbox issue. Does anyone know if these gearboxes cause a grinding sound at low speed. Someone suggested getting the gearbox oil checked/changed??

I have never heard a gearbox make the sort of sound you describe, but if it is the box it is probably too late to do anything about it. Nevertheless for peace of mind it won't hurt to get the oil changed.

Thanks Clifford….  Oh dear……I think I will need to get it to a reputable garage. It is so difficult to diagnose without hearing the noise, and I am very grateful for all your comments. I will post progress. Kindest regards

Could be anything. You say noise increases with wheel rotation. Inner or outer driveshaft CV boots, worn auxilliary drive belt pulley bearing. If clutch feels fine (assuming it’s manual), then gearbox probably okay, unless biting point feels high and any vibration through clutch?There’s also possibility of flywheel. Again guessing. A good mechanic will be able to pinpoint that quite quickly.

Edited February 1, 20251 yr by spartacus 68

I have come across drive shafts grinding against steering knuckles which was caused by components swelling with corrosion as cars get older. removing the drive shaft from the knuckle and inspecting would be necessary thou 

Thank you Matt - this is a new area for examination, and that makes sense. I will raise as a possible fault when I get an appointment with garage. Kindest regards Steve.