That's right... when I turn the wheels, it sounds like there are pigeons in the front passenger wheel. Could this be the CV joint, or is there another possibility? (and no, it is not really pigeons)

Thanks!

Doug

 

ok.. does it change with speed?

sounds like a wheel bearing more than a CV

 

It does seem to go away at higher speeds, then again I'm not turning the wheel as much when I'm going faster than 5mph. I can hear it sometimes when I'm turning corners, though.

 

Can somebody tell me what a Piegon sounds like?

 

[pigeon voice]

Help! I'm stuck in a wheel! Help!

[/pigeon voice]

 

 

tire might be rubbin

 

have you checked to see if there are any pigeons lodged behind the wheel?

 

Check your power steering fluid.

SuDZ

 

Thanks, sudz... the fluid seems fine and I topped it off with my last oil change a month and a half ago.

 

Sounds like your power steering belt is slipping.

 

BRILLIANT. That sounds very possible. I kbnow it's not the tire rubbing (stock suspension setup) and there ARE NO PIGEONS IN MY WHEEL. I think that would make more of a repetitive "thunk" sound anyway.

How do I go about checking the belt? Is it easy to access? Easy/expensive to replace?

Thanks again,

Doug

 

The PS pump is close to the oilfilter (near the bottom of the engine). After you locate the power steering pump turn on the engine and observe the pulley first to see if its wobbling (to rule out bad a bad pulley). If the pulley doesn't shake then take care of the belt. You'll need to either adjust the tension of the belt or replace it; I'd replace it. You can access the adjustment bolts from the bottom.

It's something a DIYer can do; at the very least get a Haynes manual. There are step-by-step instructions with clear photos floating around in the net; I'm sure you can find it with google or the search function in here. I would go ahead and replace both drivebelts at this time.

If you want your mechanic to replace it the prices are generally $10 a belt and the mechanic will probably charge you 1hr labor.

 

Cool. Thank you so much for your help- I am relatively adept mechanically and have been underneath the car numerous times, so I will give this a shot.

Thanks again!

 

 

Is there a nest back there ?