Intermittent squeak when turning left.

[James Hartnall]

Hi,

I've a 2016 Zafira with 38,000 miles on it.

I noticed today when turning left, only, that I hear a intermittent squeak noise (like short, sharp metallic/mechanical, not long consistent). It only appears to make a noise when you're moving perhaps 15mph plus, but doing a three-point-turn, for example, there is no noise. It occasionally happens after going over a bump on the road but driving straight it's not there. It doesn't usually appear either when breaking.

I'm wondering if this is the wheel bearing or break pads (advisory from MOT was to get them replaced, garage said we had a few thousand miles left), perhaps? There is no obvious sign of fluid leaking from under the car and no warning lights coming on. Oil, break fluid appears ok, and handling and general drive is not effected.

Any thoughts welcome?

Edited by James Hartnall on Saturday 16th December 13:32

Edited by James Hartnall on Saturday 16th December 13:40

[GreenV8S]

It's very common for brakes to cause squeaking noises and that would be my first guess.

[Kerniki]

From right side or left?

Right side means under load

Left side means off load

If right side then could be a bearing, is there a very faint rumble through the steering?

Left side, just jack it to remove load and wiggle things around, may well squeak as you jack it up..

[James Hartnall]

Sorry, it's coming from the front left wheel (passengers side) and no noise during general straight driving, literally just turning left.

Edited by James Hartnall on Saturday 16th December 14:04

[MakaveliX]

Drive at about 20mph or so, and vigorously steer left and right. see if it replicates the noise. If it does, it could be an anti roll bar bushing

[James Hartnall]

So today I was out and for the first 6 minutes or so, nothing. Then it appeared once or twice, but a lot less frequent than yesterday and more when driving straight. More of a scratch, scrape than a grinding noise and just like a reminder it's there as opposed to constant. Drove about 20mph and left and right and all fine. Breaking around the corner there was no noise. And no change in pitch, speedcl etc. relative to the car speed.

I hear it with the window open, less so with it shut, and you wouldn't hear it over the radio.

I'm thinking it's the break squeaker, perhaps.

I did rock the car when stationary by hand and no noise, so not like something is loose.

Edited by James Hartnall on Sunday 17th December 12:44

Edited by James Hartnall on Sunday 17th December 13:08

[GreenV8S]

If the noise changes when you gently apply the brakes that suggests it's probably coming from the brakes. If it doesn't, it probably isn't.

[James Hartnall]

GreenV8S said:

If the noise changes when you gently apply the brakes that suggests it's probably coming from the brakes. If it doesn't, it probably isn't.

Thanks. It changes as in it goes and you don't hear it. Cars booked in for Thursday and just need to do a short drive today with it.

[James Hartnall]

Turns out it was the break squeaker. The breaks pad had worn at an angle hence squeaking when driving, but not when breaking.
All four needed changed (not a surprise).
Thanks for the advice.