Ben T.

Guys, thanks in advance. Here's my problem: I have a squeal coming from the front end. This squeal only occurs when I turn the steering wheel to the right and only when the car is moving. The car itself can be turning left, but if I'm correcting, or coming out of a turn, and turning teh steering wheel to the right, then I will still hear the squeal. No squeal when I turn the steering wheel to the left.

Is this a bad steering rack?

Ball joints?

Tie rod?

2V4V

Ben,

There are several possibilities that pop to mind. Need more info. It depends on what kind of squeal it is. Does it sound like one of the following: brakes, belts, tires, bearing? (is it a metal on metal squeal, or a rubber on something squeal?)

Is it constant pitch, or does it vary in pitch as it happens? Also, what MY is your 928?

I'm sure you've done this, but I have to ask anyway - have you checked your tire pressure and checked the level on the PS Resevoir?

Symptomology kinda inconsistent with rack failure (usually it's leakage long before wear), joints and tie rods, maybe, but you probably would notice other driving issues other than the squeal (wandering, vibration).

Greg

Ben T.

Thanks for the reply. It's a MY 1987. There is a slight PS leak. I have to top off (e.g. 1/4 bottle ATF) every 2 weeks, so rack failure is a possibility.

The noise is constant in pitch and volume, sounds like metal on metal, but I could be very wrong, being that I am bad with distinguishing sounds (too much loud music). I do have vibration between 60-80 mph, but I assumed I needed a wheel balance. Given the new development, this could be symptomatic of something else.

But why only when turned to the right?

Thanks, Ben

2V4V

Ben,

Try to isolate left or right side. It could also be indicative of a slightly sticky caliper, wearing just one of your pads to the limit. I would look at the brakes.

While you have it jacked up (before you pull the wheel to look at brakes) check the bearings. Bearings set too loose can cause a wobble/vibration. And, just before they frag on you, they can start to squeal to warn you of impending doom.

Why only to the right? Well, if it ONLY makes the noise when you are rolling, it could be the way the bearing is loading/unloading - under the correct sideways force, it pushes together enough to stop the squeal. BTW, this scenario is VERY bad. Get it fixed right now, or (at best) you'll be sitting on the side of the road, hatin' life, waitin' for the tow truck. At worst, your front wheel will take leave of your car.

If it were making the noise when you have the car running in the driveway and turn the wheel at NO speed, then I'd look at the PS pump or the rack. Still could be it, but not consistent with a rack issue, (though the leak will need to be fixed, someday)But as that's not the case, I would look at the above first.

Let me know what you find.

Greg

Ben T.

Thanks. The noise went away, but I am concerned re: wheel bearing. How do you check, is it similar to the tie rod check?

A sticky claiper is equally possible, and would better account for the fact that squeal has disappeared. I just did the pads and rotors a couple weeks / couple hundred miles ago.

Thanks again.

2V4V

Ben,

If you recently did pads and rotors that would explain some. The bearing check is to jack up one front wheel and try to wobble the wheel side to side and top to bottom.

I do both, just to look at everything while it's up. If you get wobble, try adjusting the bearing: pull the grease cap off(BIG channel lock) loosen the hex socket retaining bolt, then turn the nut on the spindle about a quarter turn or so. Then tightenb everything up.

I'm sure somebody has the detailed instructions in the archives, or on the ubiquitous "Nichols Tips" site - which is quite useful from what I hear.

Greg