Questions and Answers

Geo Prizm Metal Grinding Sound Q. Dear Mr. Ciulla, I have a 1992 Geo Prizm, 4 cylinder, 5 speed, front wheel drive, and 175,000 miles. When I drive on the highway I've noticed a disturbing loud whining noise coming from the rear of the car, almost like metal grinding metal. This noise only happens if I drive over 65 mph.

When the noise starts, I have to decelerate to about 60 mph to get the noise to stop. I don't hear the noise just driving around town. I also took off both drums to inspect the brakes and didn't see anything abnormal. Also all four tires turn with ease like they should.

Do you think it might be an axle bearing? Lately my clutch has been slipping; do you think it might be that?

Thank you for any help you can give,
Andrew

A. A slipping clutch would give you noise in the front. The only thing that comes to mind on this car is rear wheel bearings. Can someone get in the back to listen while you get it up to speed and try to isolate it to a side at least?