I have this terrible noise coming from the drivers front. Had the same noise about 2 years ago and it was a lower ball joint that eventually broke. So when the noise started again a few months ago i replaced the same ball joint that broke and that didnt fix the issue. Since then i have replaced the inner tie rod, outer tie rod, upper control arm and upper ball joint and its still making the worst screeching noise. It comes and goes from time to time but it makes me want to drive my car off a cliff... any ideas?

 

When is the noise present? Is it when you turn the wheel? Or when going down the road straight?

 

Happens most when I turn the wheel (in either direction) but also occurs lightly when there is slight flex in the suspension

 

Wheel bearing in need of replacement. Might be easier to source a good spindle from a junkyard as opposed to replacing the bearing.

 

I dont know if its the wheel bearing, because in straight line the noise ceases. I jacked the car up and I am definitely in need of a new tie rod... any chance they are related? Also when the car was lifted off the ground and I turned the wheel the noise was gone.

 

Jack up the front again. Put your hands on either side of the wheel. Shake and see if you feel free play. Do the same with the top and bottom. Do it at 8 and 2. Try it at 10 and 4 as well. If you can feel free play with the wheel at all those locations, you need a wheel bearing. If you only need a tie rod the wheel will move the most when your hands are at 9 and 3.

 

I did that and the only direction it moved was at 9 and 3, which is why I think I need to replace the tie rod... But I didnt think that would cause the high pitched screech that is coming when I turn the wheel. Or would it?

 

It needs a tie rod. Bottom line. Replace it with a new oem one and see if the noise goes away. If it doesnt, then its time to look deeper.

Its very difficult to diagnose a noise over the internet without being able to hear it in person.

 

Check the axle shaft, i've seen the joint go bad inside the axle and it causes the same symptoms your talkin' about.

 

Yea like that one guy said it is hard to diagnose the problem over the internet. It sounds like what you are describing is a bad balljoint but again it is hard to say without hearing it.

 

I know its hard to diagnose over the internet but thanks for the help guys!