When I back out of the driveway, put my 97 xk8 into drive, and go forward, I hear a 'crunching/grinding/crinkeling sound coming from what sounds like the front driver side wheel/axle area. This happens at about the first or second full rotation of the wheel and only once. The sound lasts for about one rotation of the wheel, and then all is well. The next day it will do it again, but not twice in the same outing. If the car sits for a few hours, it will do it again slightly. I don't know if backing out first is required to hear the sound. Any ideas of what might be causing this will be helpful and appreciated.

 

Just replaced the front driver's side wheel bearing due to the same sound, at 103k miles. You might want to check yours out.

Sam

 

+1

I'd go for wheel bearing or sticking brake caliper.

Have you tried jacking the front LH and rotating the wheel backwards by hand before moving the vehicle. Better chance of pinpointing the sound.

Graham

 

I am experiencing the same thing on any surface that has some vertical movement. Thought it was the poly bushings and had them extensively greased which seemed to help for a few days, but sound is back. I guess I'll be checking wheel bearings next.

 

had the same noise on my 96 xj6,turns out it was the upper shock bushing...steve.