Ok so heres the story. I have been battling this front end noise for months now with no success. It sounds like a high pitch brake squeal, and happens whenever I turn slightly to the right. At first I figured it was simply the rotor rubbing on the dust shield so I bent that away, and the noise persists. I have gone through three different brake setups, and even upgraded to the 6th gen bbk in an attempt to solve my ongoing problem. No, i'm not using any autozone cheapo pads, I have used hawk, oem, and raybestos with no success.

After I installed the 6th gen brake kit, I was furious to find out that the problem still continued. So here is where I need your help guys. I took off my left wheel today (the problem side) and found a part leaking brownish grease. I dont think its my axle, but rather an endlink or tie rod.






A couple of questions for you guys:
1. What is this part?
2. Is is possible for this to squeal, or make a groaning noise when they fail?

Thanks in advance

 

1. outer tie rod.
2. probably not.

 

I've recently started to have the same problem after I changed my sway bar bushings and sway bar end links. However, I think its just my front pads being low cause the sound just comes and goes now. Changing out the pads and rotors this weekend and then I'll see.

 

if the joint is binding it MAY make a slight/quick squeal. Regardless, if its ripped, you need to replace it.

 

I had the same exact noise when I turned to the right. I changed my rotors yesterday and the noise dissapered.

 

What's the condition of your wheel bearings?

 

Yea thats what I figured, so I went ahead and ordered moog replacements. I would describe the noise im hearing as more than slight and quick, but rather loud and speed related. The faster I travel the quicker the interval of the squeaking noise, if that makes any sense.

Well, I figured the same, but I have all new 6th gen brake components aside from the rebuilt calipers. (rotors, pads, oem shims + hardware)

Well, thats certainly something I didn't even figure into the equation. I'm not sure the shape there in, but it's likely they have never been changed. I always associated a bad wheel bearing with more of a deep roaring noise which this is not. The strange part is the noise will only occur when my wheel is turned any amount to the right at speeds <30 mph.

Thanks for the help guys, I really appreciate it.

 

If its speed related then it has to be part of the rotating assembly. With that said, wheel bearings or axles seem like your next culprit. PM deckdout2, he does wheel bearing replacements for a fraction of shops.

 

the big sheild behind the rotors take your wheel off and spin the rotor to the point where it makes the noise i had to do the same you wont see it with the wheel on so try that ................

 

Although my logic agrees with you, you only need to replace these joints when there is play. That may go another year without play, at that point, it would need to be replaced. however, for the price, might as well just do it now.

 

I was recently shown what I believe is a good way to check wheel bearings. Jack the car up and spin the wheels by hand while you hold your other hand on the coil spring. You should feel nothing from the coil spring. If a bearing is faulty, you will feel a roughness or vibration depending on what condition it's in.

 

It is deffinatley speed related, because as I accelerate the noise reoccurs faster, and faster. Would a wheel bearing ever squeak? I've been under the impression that it is usually a roaring noise when they go bad.... I went ahead and ordered new tie rod ends anyway. I know my problem is likely unrelated, but they look shot and for $60, it's worth it.

This is what I initially figured, but I bent it back away from the rotor, and the noise remains. I cannot replicate the sound i'm hearing unless the wheel is torqued down, and i'm actually driving the car.

I agree, but there is alot of play, so I went ahead and ordered replacements anyway.
I tried that a few times, and could not replicate the sound. I haven't had much time lately, so I will give in another try on my next day off.

Thanks again, guys!

 

You likely won't be able to replicate the sound as your only spinning the wheel @ 5 mph or so. It's the "feel" in the spring that's the telltale sign.