Squealing When Turning

[mightymac]

Hello again,

Bit of background.........

After purchasing my car (54 plate D4D, 83,000 miles) I noticed that when turning on full lock, I would experience a high pitch squeal when under full load. Quite rightly, someone pointed out that it may be a drive belt issue.

My car was recently in a minor accident requiring body work. I picked it up from the body shop on Monday. From this point though, every time I even turn the wheel right, I experience the high pitch squealing again. This has subsided slightly, but I took it to Nationwide this morning and had them look at the belt. I was told that the belt was fine and this wasn't the issue. Low and behold, on the morning I wanted it repaired, the squeal disappeared. Then when I was 10 miles away from the garage, it reappeared. Murphy's law.

Can anybody please give me any other ideas or suggestions as to what may be causing this squeal. When I initially reported this to the garage, they said it would be the brakes, but I'm not even touching the brakes when I hear it.

Appreciate your help folks. Its driving me crackers.

[Q.S.]

Hello again,

Bit of background.........

After purchasing my car (54 plate D4D, 83,000 miles) I noticed that when turning on full lock, I would experience a high pitch squeal when under full load. Quite rightly, someone pointed out that it may be a drive belt issue.

My car was recently in a minor accident requiring body work. I picked it up from the body shop on Monday. From this point though, every time I even turn the wheel right, I experience the high pitch squealing again. This has subsided slightly, but I took it to Nationwide this morning and had them look at the belt. I was told that the belt was fine and this wasn't the issue. Low and behold, on the morning I wanted it repaired, the squeal disappeared. Then when I was 10 miles away from the garage, it reappeared. Murphy's law.

Can anybody please give me any other ideas or suggestions as to what may be causing this squeal. When I initially reported this to the garage, they said it would be the brakes, but I'm not even touching the brakes when I hear it.

Appreciate your help folks. Its driving me crackers.

I would be inclined to fit a new P/S belt and go from there. If you hold it in full lock and it squeals like a stuck pig, your P/S belt is slipping when under load so is either a.) too slack, or b.) goosed.

[jamesholden]

... or the rubbers dry. Spray some PTFE spray on the belt when it's running and see if it quietens it down a bit. If it does you can get a spray called belt bandage that sorts it or if its cheap enough just change it.

[mightymac]

Hello again.

The squeal continues and its driving me mad. I've had all bearings and belts checked for play and damage and everything looks fine.

If it was the P/S belt, surely it would squeal turning left and right???

The noise seems to be coming from the front left wheel. Could it be a brake issue? Anyone had or have the same problem with their Avensis?

[Q.S.]

Hello again.

The squeal continues and its driving me mad. I've had all bearings and belts checked for play and damage and everything looks fine.

If it was the P/S belt, surely it would squeal turning left and right???

The noise seems to be coming from the front left wheel. Could it be a brake issue? Anyone had or have the same problem with their Avensis?

As I said back in November, turn it into full lock and hold pressure on the steering wheel (vehicle stationary) left lock or right lock, it doesn't matter which. IF the belt squeals like a stuck pig it's your belt, if it doesn't.. it aint.

Does it only make the noise when you are moving? stationary?

Is it possibly a tyre squealing? steering geometry out of kilter after accident?

Best bet, get a mechanic in the car to hear it.

[mightymac]

I took your advice back in November and found no squeal with the belt on full lock.

The noise is present only when turning right. Doesn't have to be full lock, but anything above a 3/4 turn right and it starts to squeal. It doesn't make a sound when stationary, only when moving at all speeds.

I don't think its tyre squeal. This sound is way louder and resonates when going over bumps etc. Hence why I think it may be related to the brakes. There is a good chance that the steering may be an issue. I know there are faults with the steering rack. I also got hit (back left) by a car that that rolled after its handbrake failed. Its been terrible since then, although the problem was present before this, just intermittment.

I've left the car with a reputable brakes specialist (not KwikFit.....don't worry) this morning to get them to check my brakes and discs. They heard the car this morning when I dropped it off.

[Q.S.]

I took your advice back in November and found no squeal with the belt on full lock.

The noise is present only when turning right. Doesn't have to be full lock, but anything above a 3/4 turn right and it starts to squeal. It doesn't make a sound when stationary, only when moving at all speeds.

I don't think its tyre squeal. This sound is way louder and resonates when going over bumps etc. Hence why I think it may be related to the brakes. There is a good chance that the steering may be an issue. I know there are faults with the steering rack. I also got hit (back left) by a car that that rolled after its handbrake failed. Its been terrible since then, although the problem was present before this, just intermittment.

I've left the car with a reputable brakes specialist (not KwikFit.....don't worry) this morning to get them to check my brakes and discs. They heard the car this morning when I dropped it off.

Definately rules out the belt then, could be brake related as the disc and hub flex with cornering forces. Any play in wheel bearings etc. will produce a slight tilt on the brake disc, particularly on the left side in a right hand corner (all the weight transfering to the left).

Hope your man gets to the bottom of it for you today.

[mightymac]

Had the bearings checked for play a few weeks ago and nothing suspect.

I took it in yesterday and my pads and discs were fine. The only observation was that my suspension column (think thats what he said in his thick geordie accent) was dry at the top, so they greased it and put copper grease on the brakes. The noise has subsided a great deal but is still present, particularly when coasting round 90° corners. I think the main cause of this is obviously the salt on the roads. The road leading to my home is also horrendously muddy. This can't help anything on the underchassis.

I can live with it how it is at the minute though. At least I'm not turning heads in horror every time I turn right.

Thanks for your help QS :D