What would cause a repeating squeak while turning?

Tiny
DELANEY_0513
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 FORD TAURUS
  • 172,060 MILES
I just replaced the wheel hub and bearing on the drivers side of the car. I test drove the car around the block with no issue. The next time I went to drive the car I was greeted by a very high pitched, metal on metal, squeak as I began to turn the car to the left. Now this is not a constant squeak it only happens within a certain distance of the turning of the steering wheel. And what seems to be only to the left. Now I've surmised that it could be a brake pad rubbing on the disc, as it sounds similar to a brake squeal and it is happening in a candance with the rotation of the tires. Now, again it is only happening in a certain area of the rotation of the steering wheel. I'm wondering if this has to do with the brakes or possibly the hub replacement job or if it is something else entirely? My auto mechanics knowledge is that of a novice as you can tell. Hopefully this is enough information to determine where I should look first. Or if you need more information first. Thank you.
Sunday, May 6th, 2012 AT 8:41 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Check the backing plate when you did the bearing. It may be rubbing on the rotor.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 6th, 2012 AT 8:43 PM
Tiny
DELANEY_0513
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Thank you for the staring point. Wouldn't that cause a constant sound though, or does the backing plate come closer to the rotor as you turn? I'm not doubtimg your advice, just learning. Thanks again.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 6th, 2012 AT 8:56 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
If it is real close, it could be underload only.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 6th, 2012 AT 8:58 PM
Tiny
DELANEY_0513
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Now, again bear with me, the backing plate is located where? And what purpose does it serve?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 6th, 2012 AT 9:00 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Behind the rotor and it prevents debris from getting on the brakes and also increases cooling to the rotor

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 6th, 2012 AT 9:01 PM
Tiny
DELANEY_0513
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Thanks again. I shall try that and see if I have contact with the rotor anywhere. If not, do you have any knowledge as to where I should go from there?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 6th, 2012 AT 9:04 PM
Tiny
DELANEY_0513
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
To add some information, the backing plate seems to be clear of the rotor. The squeal seems to vary with speed. Normally not starting until over a speed of 30 mph. Also it seems to do so when turning left, however, upon testing the last time the squeal seemed to continue after the steering had returned to center.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 6th, 2012 AT 9:23 PM
Tiny
DELANEY_0513
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Not only that but, what was originally a repeating squeak has turned into a constant one when in a turn.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 6th, 2012 AT 9:24 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Is the axle nut tightened to 180 ft lbs?

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 6th, 2012 AT 10:02 PM
Tiny
DELANEY_0513
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Don't have a torque wrench, so I'm not exactly sure. But it is pretty snug. What is more likely to cause this over or under tightening?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 6th, 2012 AT 11:31 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Under tightening

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, May 7th, 2012 AT 2:33 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links