New guy here with some possible suspension problems

[Frankie]

Hey guys, searched the forum, but couldn't find exactly what I was experiencing, so I figured I'd create an account and post. I just recently purchased a used 2006 Chrysler 300 Touring, and I think I'm experiencing some strangeness in the front end. This car has just under 65k miles, and is the RWD model. It has the standard 3.5 HO V6 and to my knowledge zero modifications. The car is fitted with seemingly new Pirelli P4 tires.

The problem I'm experiencing seems almost like worn wheel bearings. I am experiencing what appears to be a grind at speed, I assumed this car would be quieter in the front end than it is. If I am at low speed and hang my head out the window, I can definitely hear some grinding/churning of some sort from front of the car. It seems to be even worse in reverse. Also, when backing out of my driveway I get an occasional pop when I go over the gutter where my driveway meets the street.

Now, I haven't done too much troubleshooting, but I have jacked the car up and spun the front wheels. They seem to spin effortlessly on their own, with only the usual drag from the disc brakes. This leads me to believe it's not wheel bearings. I also tested the noise by letting the car roll out of my driveway in neutral without the engine running. The noise is still there. Also, if I shift into neutral while going down the road I also hear the grind. The rear end is seemingly silent. What do you guys suggest I look at? I only have a drivetrain warranty left on this car, so if I can fix it myself for cheap that would be sweet. I do not believe that the front suspension is covered anymore. Thanks in advance, and now off I go to introduce myself in the proper forum and post pics of my cars.

[Frankie]

I should also add that it seems worse when the car is wet. I drove it through a pretty deep puddle (it's Florida, we have flash floods when it rains) the other day and I could really hear it after that.

[joey]

This pic is from the Service Manual. Seems like the most likely cause is the bearings. You tried spinning the wheel, but maybe the weight of the car is needed to cause the bearing noises.

[Frankie]

Joey, thanks a ton, but I don't think I'll be needing it. Ready for the best first post ever?







































It was the air dam that covers the oil pan! I just took a look underneath the car to see if I could see anything obvious, well, it was hanging on by one of the 4 bolts, one of the front ones, so it was hanging backwards. No wonder it was grinding and popping in reverse! Well, I grabbed the old ratchet and the #10 socket and no more reverse scrape/pop, no more dragging sound at low speed. That thing is a little misshapen now though; should I still leave it on? Any pros/cons on this car?

Now, I do still hear a bit of harmonic resonance/grind/road noise in the cab while driving at moderate speeds, but am I just being picky? My Lincoln was much quieter, but it was also using grandpa's 5.0 low output V8, was beyond sound deadened, had skinnier tires, and softer suspension. Am I splitting hairs and expecting too much? If it's any comparison, it's the same noise my wife's PT Cruiser makes, except hers is a little louder. Maybe I'm a GM/Ford guy and just don't know what to expect from Chrysler suspension?