Squeeking sound from front wheel after 10min driving

[Hanseman]

Dear Renntech forum,

My 996C2MY99 just started making sounds from the front wheel (passenger side) after driving on a rugged road that was just about to get new pavement. I suspect that it may be the wheel bearings that need to be replaced, but before I do change them, it would be great to hear your expert opinions.

After first hearing the squeeking sound from the front wheels, I gripped the passenger wheel and I can get it to move 1mm or so sideways, however, only when the car has been driven for 10min or more. Moreover, the sound starts after driving the car for some time. The lug bolts are not overly warm though (and no warmer on the affected side), which I did expect from worn wheel bearings.

Today, I took off the tires, but I cannot hear anything out of the ordinary when I turn the rotors on either side. However, again after driving for 10min the squeeking sound starts.

Your comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Best regards and thanks for a super forum that have helped me to: fix airbag light, secondary air injector, change oil/filters, and spark plugs/coils.

Hans

Edited May 10, 2011 by Hanseman

[Loren]

Press on the fender to move the shocks up and down - any squeaking?

If none, then I would still suspect and inspect the wheel bearings.

[fpb111]

Does the sound change when you step on the brakes?

Rock from the ground up road between the dust shield or caliper and rotor?

[violaGT3]

Hmm, hard to diagnose without more goodies.

Squeaking, at bumps? constant?

I tend to check brakes when my frinds tell me front end squeaks. When Power hoses fail they can leave the inner pad(most often) slightly engaged also when pads are nearly done they can lean into the rotor. Thus shining it and causing it to squeal/squeak semi uniformly.

Non constant squeaking can be from a multitude of thing from upper mounts, to warn control are bushings.

Best of luck let up know what you find.

[clb0099]

Loren,

I am experiencing that noise which you described when I put down on the fender. What is causing it? It sounds like its from the spring/shock.

[Loren]

Likely either a loose strut mount or swaybar.

[Hanseman]

Dear Loren,

Indeed, a get the squeaking sound when I press on the fender after the car has been driven enough to experience the sound. However, it does not sound when the car has been standing still although I press even harder on the fender at that time.

I assume that I now should disregard any notion of the wheel bearings and look to check strut mounts or the sway bar...any advice on this would be outstanding.

Is this amenable to DIY if I can find what causes the sound? Moreover, should I stop driving the car in its entirety until fixed?

THANKS again for your advice,

Hans

[Hanseman]

I am still trying to isolate the origin of the squeaking sound. When the car has been driven for some time (>10min) the sound is clearly noticable form the passenger side front wheel. When do I press on the fender I can make it sound, indicating that it may relate to the shock/wheel suspension. I have tried to silence it by spraying WD40 on indvidual linkage arms, one by one, and I thought I had got it to disappear but the sound came back again. In fact, I can generate the sound when I grab the front wheel with both hands and try to wriggle it back and forth, or use the steering wheel to do the same. I have inspected bolts and linkages but cannot locate the exact place it seems.

Any help is good help....before I will have to take it to service.

Sincerely,

Hans

[bobmacd44]

I lived with this exact problem for six months with my 1999 996 C2 with 60-70k miles. Could hear squeek when pressed down on fender. Finally found good discussions in forums with strong threads suggesting that control arms needed replacing. There were other discussions about sway bar bushings and creaks versus squeeks implying different problems. I bought two each control arms and control arm links from Pelican Parts for modest cost and replaced and problem went away and has stayed away for 5k miles.

Edited June 7, 2011 by bobmacd44