Since i've owned my 99 GXE, it's had this squealing noise that sounds like it's coming from the front left wheel of the car (that's my best guess). At first I thought it was a brake issue, but I have since had the front brakes done (pads and rotors) and the car brakes 100% with no problems. So, the sound must be coming from somewhere other than the brake pads.

The sound is a very faint squeal that is speed-dependent. In other words, as I increase my speed, the rhythm of the squealing speeds up. Above a certain speed, around 20 mph, I cannot hear it anymore. But I think it's because the road and wind noise drown out the noise rather than the noise being absent.

Any clues as to what might cause this? since it's speed-dependent I figure it must be something that is rotating. Should I check the lug nuts? (I remember they weren't in the best condition). Wheel bearings? Thanks in advance.

 

well... first take it out for a test drive and do some turning with it, see if the noise goes away on turning right or on turning left, if it is turn dependent too, it is most likely your wheel bearings because on turns, one bearing turns faster than the other, and you would hear it squeel if it is bad. Another thing you can do is rotate the front tires, put the left to the right, and the right to the left, and see if the noise transfers to the other side, if it does, you just need a new tire on the one that is causing a problem because the belts might have shifted in the tire. If you cannot rotate left to right because of directional tires, do front to back, and see if the noise goes to the back. Hope that helps.

 

thanks for the info. i need to do some more troubleshooting.

hypothetical question, if I do need to replace the front wheel bearings (both sides), about how many hours of labor do you think it would be at a typical mechanic?

Here is a writeup of a front wheel bearing replacement, and it looks pretty involved: http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/704

 

I have this problem too(Front Left also). Mine only happens once the brakes are warm. I assume its the bearing and I'm not looking to replacing it. I'll have Nissan diagnose before I replace.

 

90% sure it's the wheel bearing. It might still be the brakes though. I didn't have the spring clips on my pads on the passanger side and had the same symptoms as you. Got new clips and problem solved.