[Greg Rodenhiser]

Okay, I have an '11 Mazda2 with about 68k miles on it. Everything is original and this car has needed zero work except for oil changes and one set of tires. Very recently it's started to make a scratching/grinding type noise from what seems to be the front drivers side wheel whenever its moving and taking a left turn (almost sound like you're dragging say a license plate across the pavement, though much quieter). Once I straighten out the noise stops after a few seconds. Right turns don't seem to do this. Even a quick jab (wiggle) of the steering wheel to the left will set if off for a second. No other symptom (no shakes, clunks, etc). Going to bring it in to get checked, but it's good t know possible causes. My guesses are maybe brakes, CV joint, or wheel bearings, but can't think of why the noise only happens on left turns. Suggestions?

 

[Scaphil]

Sounds like a wheel bearing going bad. I had a 2002 Saturn that did this before I got my Mazda 2.

Otherwise, take off the wheel and see if something is scraping when you turn the wheel to the left. Because I would be surprised if it was a wheel bearing due to how new the Mazda 2 is.