Hi. This morning I discovered a "squeaking" noise on my 1998 Legacy L sedan (auto) w/ 102k miles. It sounds like it's coming from the front end of the car when I am driving or turning slowly. I've experienced the chattering sound of a CV boot, so I'm pretty sure it's not that. It just squeaks like an old door opening, like something needs to be greased or oiled. Any ideas on where to start?

 

Thanks

Is it a constant squeak or a rhythmatic squeak?

Try this: turn the wheels completely in one direction and drive in a full circle. Listen for sounds. Then repeat in the other direction. If it happens in one direction but not the other, it's probably the cv axle/ doj. If it happens in both, it may be wheel bearings. If it happens when the car is sitting still, you have mice under the hood.

Hi Guys. Thanks for the quick replies. It seems to be a constant squeak. I happened to notice it sitting in a parking lot at lunch the other day. It sounds fine idling, but when I turned the wheel to the left or right, I could hear an audible squeaking or creaking. Best way to describe it is like the Tinman in Wizard of Oz. It's not a grinding or gnashing, just sounds like something needs lubrication. I don't know.

You mean it happens when you're sitting still, motor running, with the steering wheel turning?

Yes Northguy. Any ideas?

Yes Northguy. Any ideas?

sure it's from the wheels?

and not your engine?

 

power steering squeak?

check the PS fluid lately?

 

Jamie

Low on P/S fluid? Steering rack problems? (seems unlikely, but maybe?) A belt being bound up?

P/S fluid is topped off. This one's got me stumped. I'm gonna have to get have to get down on the ground and see if I can figure out what it is this weekend. Thanks for all the help so far. I'll keep you posted.

 

- Ed

very well could still be the PS pump going bad

 

makes an awful squeaking noise...

 

even when stopped and you turn the wheels side to side

that would defo be psteering issues.

 

Jamie

Seems to coming from steering wheel inside the car. Could that still be P/S related?

I sometimes get a plastic type of squeaking (more like a squeal) noise from my steering column that's associated with an interior trim being out of alignment from bouncing around over a 21 year lifespan. No big deal.