TimD

Got into my car to come home from work, and there is an awful squeal from the front wheels. Imagine half a dozen cars with slipping fan-belts and you'll get the idea. It is a real "I'm in pain" noise.

We have had very heavy rain today. I went out at lunchtime to the pub, but it was a very gently (4 up) drive, with a few puddles, but nothing that would get water where it shouldn't be.

I stopped the car on the flat a few times on the way home (it was embarrassing as it was SO noisy) and crouching down next to the front wheels I could easily move the car back and forwads by just grasping the tyre and turning. There is no extra resistance there. But the noise is awful.

Going round corners the noise changes.
Braking makes the noise slightly less.
It didn't get any better after 15 miles.
Riding the brakes didn't help
Not using the brakes didn't help
There are no nasty smells
The wheels are not hot.

Are there known wheel-bearing faults?
Car is a UK MY98 saloon.

firefox

Howdy..

There arent any known bearing faults...

Have you double check for trapped stones ? no grooves cut in your discs ?

Does it even make a noise when you turn the wheel by hand (slowly)?

Take it to your dealer and let them have a look.... its what Warranty is for

Cheers,

J.

Stef

I've had this problem a couploe of times and it was small stones in the brakes.
Try blowing it with an airline, or reversing suddenly. These worked for me.

Stef.

TimD

Top marks guys, it was a trapped stone. I was convinced that it was coming from both sides, but when I took off the offside front wheel, I could turn it and there was no noise.

Went to the other side, and the "squealing cat" noise was there. Lo and behold, there was the tiniest stone wedged between the rusty outide edge of the disc and the thin metal "disc protector". The stone must have got pretty hot, as it looked like a piece of asteroid.

T

firefox

Hi,

Glad we could help.... It's what this BBS is here for...to help each other

Have fun..

J.