I just bought a 96 Accord and had it aligned and new tie rod ends installed while out of town. About 50 miles down the road I noticed that when turning hard to the left I hear a grinding (metal on metal noise). This only happens when turning as hard as possible to the left. If I let up just an inch the noise goes away.

Any ideas? I looked underneath and everything looks ok...I can't see anything touching that shouldnt be touching.

 

It could be a lot of things ...... since the tie-rods were recently worked on, I'd look for rubbing or wear around them. Could also be the brakes if not installed properly or out of adjustment.

My avice is to bring it to the mechanic that just worked on it and tell him the problem. You may be entitled to a freebie!

 

Does it only happen when the wheel is turned all the way to where it locks or just when you make a sharp turn?

 

See if the inner side of the wheel (rim) is rubbing on the tie rod or something, there should be a witness mark (scratch around the wheel). Maybe the tie rod is pushing on the brake rotor backing plate ???

Sounds like the alignment is not symmetrical, is the steering wheel straight.

 

If it's FWD, what about CV Joints?

I had CV joints go out on my VW Rabbit, and it sounded like grinding (we originally thought it was wheel bearings); turned out the boot was ripped on the top and had basically deteriorated inside.