Squealing Left Tyre

[omeo]

Hi guys,

My left tyre on my lexus is200 has recently began squealing whenever I turn it. The sound sounds like a rubbing noise, or like when you walk on a creaky floorboard. It only happens when I turn, not at a slight turn, for example when I go to park in a bay or turn a corner.

When I am driving the car normally in a straight line, there is no noise what so ever. I have enough PS and there's enough air in the tyre to.

The problem occurred after I pumped the tyres 2 days ago and began driving the car, it was quiet a hot day as well.

Does any one know what might be causing the issue? Just to be aware I replaced the tyre in question a few months ago.

thanks

[steve2006]

The problem starting after your pumped the tyres up is probably coincidental but it may pay you to recheck the pressure first.

Make sure nothing in the wheel arch area is fouling the tyre when on lock such as the plastic arch liner.

Check for worn suspension joints and bushes, if your bushes have been replaced with the poly types these do have the tendency to creak if not well lubricated.

Other things to check are the brake disc guard at the rear of the disc for fouling, the brake caliper for seizing and the wheel bearing but these defects generally produce more of a mechanical grinding sound.

If you have matching tyres all around you could also swop front to back on the same side to see if the noise moves with the tyre, you cannot swop side to side with rotational tyres.

It's a matter of methodical elimination.

[J Henderson]

Describing it like a creaky floorboard makes me think it's probably a worn ball joint. That's what they sound like when they need replaced.

[omeo]

How much would it cost normally parts and labour to replace one ball joint??

[J Henderson]

They're about £20-30 each and a garage should charge less than an hour for fitting.

[omeo]

Ahh that's a relief, some people said it would cost in the few hundreds.

[omeo]

Ill be taking it to the mechanic tomorrow so I will see what the issue is.

[omeo]

He advised it was the ball joint. He greased it up and the noise has disappeared. Thanks

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

Is there play in the ball joint? Don't mess with ball joints mate, if it has play Change it!

This is what happens when you ignore play in a ball joint for too long and it let's go, which it will!

greasing up a worn ball joint has just hidden the noise, not cured the problem.

[omeo]

How would I know if it has play in it? Are there any indications?

The mechanic first told me that I could take the car back and that it was safe to drive. He greased it and said he would let me know a price in a few days. He didn't advice me that I must bring it back

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

To check ball joints, you jack the car up. Put your hands at the quarter to three position and shake from side to side. If you feel play then they're probably worn.

Being totally honest mate if I thought my ball joint was making a noise and I had it confirmed by a mechanic that it was indeed making a noise I'd replace it.

[omeo]

Thanks Chris do you have a rough price of how much it would cost

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

£100 each fitted at Lexus. Might get it for £60-70 at a independent garage.

They take literally 20-30 mins each to fit so you shouldn't pay more than half an hour labour per side.

[omeo]

That sounds good. I'll speak to my mechanic confirm a price and get it changed. He should be able to fix it on the same day.

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

Yeah it really is a quick job but one that you shouldn't put off :)

[omeo]

I took it back as advised by Chris. Was actually the wish bone that needs to be replaced.

[GoonerPatrol]

Ahh I've got the same problem with mine when I turn left also!!! Any news on what cured it and cost?

[omeo]

Well my mechanic is looking into it for me and said the car will be ready by tomorrow so I will let you know.

[omeo]

My mechanic told me that the wishbone had to be replaced. He changed the wish bone and everything was fine. I drove the car for a while and all good. parked it and drove it again later and its starting to make the same noise again . Is that normal