Grinding noise coming from front end?

2018 CADILLAC CT6
33,000 MILES • 3.6L • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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PD123
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
I purchased the vehicle listed above a certified pre-owned. It drove fine for the first 6 months, but after I dropped it off at a detailer to get it cleaned, it started making a “grinding/squeaking” sound from the front end. The sound happens either when steering or braking.

It only happened once in a while at first. I brought the car to 2 different Cadillac dealers to have it inspected by a mechanic, but both said they weren’t able to get the car to demonstrate the grinding sound while they test drove it. They both inspected the vehicle while on the lift and said everything looked fine.

The sound has been happening a lot more frequently. The other day, I just happened to press the “Mode” button near the shifter, which changes the driving mode between Tour, Sport, and Snow/Ice. I set the driving mode to Tour after I purchased the vehicle, but when I pressed it the other day, it was in Sport mode. I changed it back to Tour mode, and the grinding/squeaking seemed to stop.

I’m assuming that when I dropped my vehicle off to get detailed, they pressed the “Mode” button while cleaning the car, causing the driving mode to switch to “Sport” mode.

I’m trying to figure out what reason would cause this while the vehicle is in Sport mode?
Apr 23, 2023 at 3:45 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
Hi,

Either what you said happened, the button was pressed while cleaning, or someone went for a ride. Does the vehicle make any noise now that you changed the mode? Also, by placing it in snow/ice, basically puts it in AWD mode at all times. Are you sure that wasn't the mode it was in? If the vehicle is used in dry conditions in this mode, it can cause damage to different components.

If the vehicle is still making the noise, see if you can record it. If it is possible, upload it for me to hear.

Let me know.

Joe
Apr 23, 2023 at 10:06 PM
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