The front driver side wheel squeaks really low only when I turn. I can't hear it unless I roll the window down and turn off the radio... and even then it only happens on rare occasions. I was actually thinking it would be the brakes since I have 52K miles and I figure it is time. But the brakes are still strong... no squeaking or vibrations while driving or braking. No pulling to the side when I brake. Then I started thinking... maybe the cause is something else. What are your thoughts.

 

sounds stupid but could it be tire low on tread due to cupping or some alignment issue and slightly breaking traction. tire rubbing on fender well.

 

I have new tires that are a year old. I will check them but it sounds more like metal on metal.... almost like a brake pad issue. That is why I originally assumed it was brakes. Now I am thinking front end issue maybe a bearing.

 

Yes it could be a tire, but in my experience with other cars it usually has been a tie rod or ball joint issue. i would have those especially checked on a car like this. You'll never push another normal car to 120MPH or more like you could easily do with this one. I noticed my other cars doing that same symptom on a left turn at slow speeds and everytime it was a front suspension issue.

 

I just hot 120+ MPH yesterday. Next time I bring it in for an oil change/service I will have it checked out. The squeak is really low but I notice it.

 

You may want to also check your wheel bearings. Mine was found to be a little lose on the passenger side when I go it aligned. It didn't need to be replaced. They just tightened the adusting nut. you have to pull the dust cap off to adjust this. to check this, jack up the car and try to rock the wheel and feel for any loseness.

 

Lantana is right. Grab the wheel and try to move it side to side. then grab it top and bottom try to move it in and out. These two will tell if you have suspension issues. And he's also right about a possible loose or worn bearing which is something you definately do not wish to freeze at 60 mph, much less 120+. if that happens you'd better wake Leroy up from his nap in the passenger seat, because leRoy ain't never seen a car crash like that one's going to be!

 

I will eventually have it checked out but I don't think the wheel will freeze up. It is a very quiet squeak. It sounds just like the brakes going bad. It may just be the brakes.

 

no, no, Black, I don't think it will either, just saying that if it did then you don't want to be in it is all. I really doubt it's the brakes, they usually don't squeak on a slow turn, or scrape on a turn for that matter as they are on a virtual fixed plane. What is usually the case on a turn is pressure points being made from the normal position to the new stressed point, that's why I'm thinking suspension, or as lantana said the bearings. Just have it checked out when you get the chance and it'll be fine.

 

Thanks! Don't scare me man! I need to listen more and see if it went away. I will bring it in and have it looked at. I wonder if suspension and bearings are covered under the max care warantee.

 

Every spring, during the annual tire removal and detailing process, I really ****** the rubber suspension components with silicon spray (being careful not to hit the brakes). I've found sometimes the rubber grommets and stuff on the shocks and suspension components can rub and squeak when moving around.

 

I have had brake pads do this when they are just about metal to metal but not on a car with brake sensors. I would check the bearings pretty soon. It is a lot cheaper to tighten them than replace them. Excess clearance will detroy them pretty fast if that is what is causing your issue. It is always good to pay attention to those little noises and figure it our while it is still cheap to fix.

 

I've noticed the same exact thng with my XF since I've gotten it back out from storage. I was wondering what it was also.

 

I am thinking it is my brakes. I have 52K miles on the original pads. Right now the brakes are feeling great and no noise or vibrations (except for a squeaky mouse on turns-- and it doesn't happen all the time). The car still stops on a dime! I will probably leave the brakes alone until I get a real sign. When I get the brakes done I will have everything else checked (bearing and joints). I am sure they are fine...

 

I just turned 30k on mine and I live in a rural area and most are highway miles so I'm pretty easy on my brakes and I have this noise. It does sort of sound like when they get worn down enough that the wear indicator rubs slightly in a turn. Hmmmm.

 

Wheel bearings is the problem, I just had the same issue with my XFire. It would make a loud squeak, but then all of a sudden quit. So, I just let it go, and then about 500 miles later I found out my wheel was about to fall off. So, to make a long story short I had to replace both bearings including the spindle due to the bearings welding themselves. Chrysler said that the bearings were made very cheap, so XFire owners beware.

 

This is a cheap problem to fix if caught early. Grab your wheels top and bottom and then side to side and give them a good shake, proferably with the wheel jack off the ground.