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Strange Squeal Noise From Front End

  
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Strange Squeal Noise From Front End

 
thunderstang69 thunderstang69
New User | Posts: 5 | Joined: 11/07
Posted: 06/14/09
12:05 AM

I have a 69 Mustang. a while ago I started hearing a strange squealling noise from the front end after I started going 25-30mph.  I thought it was the worn out stearing parts causing lose of alignment and eccesive toe in and the tires were sliding on the road.  So I replaced the worn tierods and aligned it.  then thought I foun one of my front brake calipers frozen and thought that was the problem, and when fixing that didnt work I put new bearings in.  any idea what would cause a squealing noise at speads?  the spindles are a little worn where the inner races seat.  If they were spinning on the spindle would that cause noise?  would they spin on the spindle?  Would bad toe in causethe tires to squeal?  

 
Jbirch Jbirch
Enthusiast | Posts: 414 | Joined: 05/09
Posted: 06/14/09
03:53 PM

Describe the squeal. Metallic? High pitched? Changes with speed? Only happens at certian time/speed? Etc. Need more info? Does the noise happen when the car is put into nuetral as you are moving and/or the engine is turned off. Does the noise stop at anytime and if so when? What is engine rpm when noise occurs. Could it be coming from the motor? Brake pads OK? Do you have power steering? How's your water pump and alternator. A/C?  

 
thunderstang69 thunderstang69
New User | Posts: 5 | Joined: 11/07
Posted: 06/16/09
05:55 PM

It sounds like something between belts slipping and a burnout, but maby a little higher, not sure.  It starts about 25-30 mph and it continues if you throw the car in neutral at that speed.  Rebuilt calipers and new pads, the bad rotor resurfaced and both rotors installed with new bearings and grease.  Do you think its maby that the brakes still need broken in?  Do you think bearing races spinning on a spindle would make noise?  Its a power steering car.  No A/C.  Not sure about the water pump or the RPM, but it seems to happen with spead rather than RPM bucause it doesnt happen when you start it or go slow.  It doesnt make any bad noise if you rev it in park.  If it fell out of alignment enough, would that cause tires to squeal like you were sliding?  I also noticed the front tires were warmer than the back ones, is that normal?  The front ones are closer to the engine.  

 
Jbirch Jbirch
Enthusiast | Posts: 414 | Joined: 05/09
Posted: 06/16/09
08:30 PM

Sounds like you have all but eliminated the engine and some of the accesories as the noise makers under light or no load conditions.
Power steering pump/belt? Does noise happen at speed as you turn or just going straight?
Noise when the engine/tires are cold or normal operating temp? Check your radiator cap and vac hoses to be sure they aren't leaking pressure or vacuum that can cause noise. Do you have a clutch type cooling fan? Is it working properly?

If alignment is WAY off you could get some noise. Do tires show abnormal wear pattern? What wheel and tire combo are you running up front? Is there enough clearance between wheel and caliper? Do tires contact the end of the A-arm due to insufficient clearnce?

Look at the front wheel hub NUT that holds the front wheel onto the spindle. It might be too tight. Most spindles are tapered so the outer bearing isn't likely to spin on the spindle. If it did you would probably be able to see some evidence of that on the spindle.                                                            Jack the front end up so wheel/tire is off the ground.
Rotate the wheel hard with a single hard top to bottom motion with your hand.
The wheel should revolve about 4-5 times before coming to rest again. If less than that you might loosen the nut slightly to get the desired result. Normally you tighten a wheel bearing by turning the tire slowly as you tighten the nut to about 15-20 ft/lbs then back it off ONE nut cover castelation to align with the cotter pin hole before reinserting the cotter pin and then check to be sure you have your 4-5 turns. Too tight will make the bearing run hot and if it has turned blue it has been over temped and is toast.
If you can rotate your wheels 4-5 times then the brakes are probably OK and not too tight. If the pads are too thick to release the rotor or have crud caught between them and the rotor you might get some noise.
As long as you are positive the noise is coming from the front end then there are only a limited number of things that can cause that noise.  

 
thunderstang69 thunderstang69
New User | Posts: 5 | Joined: 11/07
Posted: 06/18/09
05:36 PM

thank you so much for your help, I'll check it out.  

 

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