Squeaky noise from the front left wheel - Saxperience

MrPizzaGuy · 10th December 2023, 18:46

Hello! I have a Saxo 1.4 VTS, and since I got it (a year ago) I noticed a squeaky noise coming from the front left (the driver's side) wheel that was for sure a "spinning" noise. - I mean it wasn't a short sound like you could hear on a bump or smth like that. It was a noise that was going along with the movement of the wheel. - It only happened when I had already over like 80+ kmph, ONLY over hard left turns or when I pressed the brakes hard.
I also think that it was more intense when it was raining.

And it only did it sometimes, not always on the forementioned occasions.

After some months, it stopped and I thought that I was done with this thing for good. But like a month ago it started again, rarely but the noise was definitely there sometimes.

My speculation is the wheel bearing... And I thought at first maybe the brake caliper had something stuck there, but it is checked and good. Also the brake pads have MUUUUCH life left and are evenly worn from both sides. So I believe the problem is not from the brakes.

At this point, does anyone with better experience than me has a clue over the issue?

And now let me share the best part.
Yesterday, I changed the front suspension, both sides coil springs and shock absorbers (the coil springs are APEX yellow for lowering and the absorbers are SACHS Advantage) and everything was fine, the car had been lowered and I was ready for the ride of my life. And THERE IT COMES...
The noise was there, on the same front left wheel, more intense than ever. And not for just a bit, it had duration like 20 secs straight, then after 5 secs nothing and then, again, and again. Even when I had the steering wheel straight and with speeds lower than 20 kmph.
After 10-15 minutes of driving it almost disappeared, not completely but it did it only sometimes for the rest of the 25-30 mins of driving.

PLEASE HELP !!!

MartinObviously · 10th December 2023, 23:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrPizzaGuy

Hello! I have a Saxo 1.4 VTS, and since I got it (a year ago) I noticed a squeaky noise coming from the front left (the driver's side) wheel that was for sure a "spinning" noise. - I mean it wasn't a short sound like you could hear on a bump or smth like that. It was a noise that was going along with the movement of the wheel. - It only happened when I had already over like 80+ kmph, ONLY over hard left turns or when I pressed the brakes hard.
I also think that it was more intense when it was raining.

And it only did it sometimes, not always on the forementioned occasions.

After some months, it stopped and I thought that I was done with this thing for good. But like a month ago it started again, rarely but the noise was definitely there sometimes.

My speculation is the wheel bearing... And I thought at first maybe the brake caliper had something stuck there, but it is checked and good. Also the brake pads have MUUUUCH life left and are evenly worn from both sides. So I believe the problem is not from the brakes.

At this point, does anyone with better experience than me has a clue over the issue?

And now let me share the best part.
Yesterday, I changed the front suspension, both sides coil springs and shock absorbers (the coil springs are APEX yellow for lowering and the absorbers are SACHS Advantage) and everything was fine, the car had been lowered and I was ready for the ride of my life. And THERE IT COMES...
The noise was there, on the same front left wheel, more intense than ever. And not for just a bit, it had duration like 20 secs straight, then after 5 secs nothing and then, again, and again. Even when I had the steering wheel straight and with speeds lower than 20 kmph.
After 10-15 minutes of driving it almost disappeared, not completely but it did it only sometimes for the rest of the 25-30 mins of driving.

PLEASE HELP !!!

rotational squeaking has to be something rubbing.

Did you notice any wear on the brake hose or on the wheel inner sidewall?

It could be the wheel bearing, but I would have thought after some time, it would be very hot. as they only squeak or make noise when they run dry of grease.

It could also be the driveshaft! if the CV joint has gone dry as well. I changed mine last year because it was making that noise, but it was almost entirely seized when I removed it. someone had fitted a new boot before I got the car, but they put it onto a faulty driveshaft that was already failing...

MrPizzaGuy · 11th December 2023, 08:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartinObviously

rotational squeaking has to be something rubbing.

Did you notice any wear on the brake hose or on the wheel inner sidewall?

It could be the wheel bearing, but I would have thought after some time, it would be very hot. as they only squeak or make noise when they run dry of grease.

It could also be the driveshaft! if the CV joint has gone dry as well. I changed mine last year because it was making that noise, but it was almost entirely seized when I removed it. someone had fitted a new boot before I got the car, but they put it onto a faulty driveshaft that was already failing...

Thanks for replying.
The brake hose is good and also I didn't notice any wear on the inner sidewall.
My guesses are the CV joint or the bearing, as you mentioned.
So, in order not to buy smth without being sure, I'll take it tomorrow to the mechanic and we'll see from there ...

I'll post an update when we'll know for sure what's going on

MrPizzaGuy · 12th December 2023, 08:47

[UPDATE ON INFO] The sound almost completely disappears after ~15 minutes of driving , when the car has warmed up for good. I'm strongly assuming it's the CV Joint ... Which as I was informed this morning by a mechanic friend of mine, can't change seperatley, but you have to change the whole drive shaft axle.