[RESOLVED] Squeaky spring sound from front wheel

[tsunari]

So let me try and describe this new noise that came up after a clutch install.

Front Right wheel, after driving around for a while will make a rhythmic squeak (kind of has a rubbery sound or maybe similar to a noisy spring being compressed) when under deceleration. If I apply the slightest bit of throttle (maintenance throttle or even accelerate just a touch), the sound goes away. Applying the brakes does nothing to change the tone/pitch of the noise. I also just recently re-did the brakes and the noise is still present afterwards. Also sometimes turning the wheel may either make the sound go away or induce it.

It seems that the 'squeak' happens when the wheel is in a particular orientation (example . . . squeaks every time the valve stem is @ 12-o'clock position) but only happens after I have been driving around for a bit.

So I am thinking:

1) It is not the brakes
2) Is heat/temperature related
3) Perhaps is the CV joint @ the wheel hub? (I believe they are original axles)

Ideas / things to test?

[SOLVED]

Bad wheel hub assembly

 

[talonalex92]

Balljoints? That was the sound mine was making, I replaced both lower ball joints and its quiet as can be now.

 

[tsunari]

That would really suck considering they are only a few years old . . .

not only that, but it wouldn't really explain why the noise is related to the rotation of the wheel/axle

 

[talonalex92]

Well keep in mind when you hit the gas im sure your car takes some load off the front to the back. Or to me it would seem like it. Like, when you see a car accelerate, the ass end dips down a bit?

 

[tsunari]

Well keep in mind when you hit the gas im sure your car takes some load off the front to the back. Or to me it would seem like it. Like, when you see a car accelerate, the ass end dips down a bit?

There will be a bit of weight transfer-yes, but still. If it were the LCA ball joint, would it not be a single noise and not a rhythmic noise that increases in rate as the wheel turns faster?

 

[talonalex92]

There will be a bit of weight transfer-yes, but still. If it were the LCA ball joint, would it not be a single noise and not a rhythmic noise that increases in rate as the wheel turns faster?

Good call. How about your wheel bearing? Ive heard those make some pretty goofy noise. And thats really the only thing relative to speed and not braking that I could think of..

 

[tsunari]

Good call. How about your wheel bearing? Ive heard those make some pretty goofy noise. And thats really the only thing relative to speed and not braking that I could think of..

Mmmm . . . possible- I *DID* just finish installing extended wheel studs all around . . . but then again the front wheel bearings are a couple of years old. Normally when those go, they create more of a growling sound than a squeak.

Know what kind of bearings, etc are in the ends of the Half-shafts? I believe those are original

 

[Mr Peepers]

I know you said it's not the brakes, but have you made sure the dust shield isn't close to the rotor?

I've just found it extremely common and easy to bend.

 

[tsunari]

I know you said it's not the brakes, but have you made sure the dust shield isn't close to the rotor?

I've just found it extremely common and easy to bend.

Good idea, but no dust shields - removed all 4 last season

 

[talonalex92]

Mmmm . . . possible- I *DID* just finish installing extended wheel studs all around . . . but then again the front wheel bearings are a couple of years old. Normally when those go, they create more of a growling sound than a squeak.

Know what kind of bearings, etc are in the ends of the Half-shafts? I believe those are original

I still wouldnt rule it out, and its not hard to check them either. What about all your bushings? For the ball joints, and strut bearing plates? Those like to squeak?

 

[tsunari]

I still wouldnt rule it out, and its not hard to check them either. What about all your bushings? For the ball joints, and strut bearing plates? Those like to squeak?

Bushings are all Energy Suspension (Freshly lubed) and the upper shock mounts are solid (no rubber to squeak) I also had a friend listen to it and it's definitely coming from the rotating assembly . . . area.

 

[lazyazzdaddy]

my younger brother has this or a similar problem. he found that his noise is comeing from the driver side lower ball joints as well.. check and see if your boots are ripped at all, it only takes a very small tear and once water gets in there it makes a mess of the joint.. if they are ripped, my brother sprays some wd40 onto them as a temp fix. he's on a no job budget so he has'nt had the money to replace them yet. it goes away for a few weeks but always comes back.. i would imagin you could also use some white lithium grease which might stick to the joint better than good ol' wd40. hope this helps.

 

[tsunari]

Nope, balljoints look great. The noise has become worse (louder and more consistent) . . . I took apart the caliper and made sure everything was well-greased . . . no change.

Anything I may be missing?

 

[tsunari]

Figured it out . . . it's the Left-Inner CV joint . . . grease everywhere! Time for new axles!

 

[AZDSM]

After reading all of this I was thinking CV axle. I have the same clicking problem and I'm pretty sure it's my drivers side CV axle. I just replaced the right side a few weeks ago and now this one is goin out.

 

[tsunari]

Yeah, it's awesome . . . after driving around a bit . . . come to a stop and can smell this nasty burning rubber odor (probably the grease burning on the Down-Pipe)

 

[tsunari]

*sigh* reviving this one . . . The noise is back with the new axles in. . .

any ideas?

 

[tsunari]

Problem solved: Bad wheel bearing / hub assembly