Ok, so I have a 97 Taurus and it seems that every month or so, something new is breaking on this damn thing. Anyway, I'm currently dealing with a "mystery" problem no one seems to be able to solve. I'm hearing a (to me) very audible squeaking while the car is in drive. It sounds a LOT like a squeaking wagon wheel, it is not the belt either, I know that sound from last winter.

Anyways, I've been suggested everything from brake pads to wheel bearings, and everything "seems" to be in shape. Has anyone else had this issue or know how to fix it?

I have no idea if it's actually causing harm, but it is REALLY annoying and to be honest, it's embarrasing to drive around in the "squeaky tire car"...

Another possibility is it could be a CV joint. What side is the squeak coming from? Is it a continual squeak or intermittent? If you have had new brake pads put on some types of pads will squeak until seated. Another possibility, Check the innner and outer CV joint boots for any breaks. Could be the grease is gone from one requiring regreasing and a new boot. Or it could be a CV joint is wearing out thus causing the squeak. Good Luck.

Welcome to the forum!

Another possibility is the Camshaft Position Sensor / Cylinder Identification (CID) Sensor.

This item has been addressed quite a few times on this forum, a search using the "Search this forum" tool from the Taurus forum main page should make finding this information pretty painless.

-Rod

its a squeak that goes with the turning of the tire, it's like, directly linked with my RPMs...


and it's definately not the pads, had those replaced a few months ago, i thought that at first, but had a friend check them and everything was going good.

but i'll look into that stuff though, thanks guys...

ok so i've been doing a lot of reading, and for the most part, the CV shaft is sounding like the perpetrator here...

not much mentioned about the squeak im hearing, but there is a lot of talk about a clicking or popping...


and earlier I noticed a faint "click" sound (that seems to click in time with my RPMs, as the squeaking does) from my driver side front tire...


is this doing more to finger the CV shaft(s)??

Does it have hub caps? Hub caps can have loose parts or creak around the attachment at the rim.

and earlier I noticed a faint "click" sound (that seems to click in time with my RPMs, as the squeaking does) from my driver side front tire...

is this doing more to finger the CV shaft(s)??
Are you referring to engine RPMs or tire rotation speed? If engine RPMs, it will not be a CV joint as those rotate at the wheel speed, but not necessarily the engine rpm. For example, if the noise speeds up immediately when the transmission downshifts, but the vehicle has not yet picked up significant speed, you're probably looking at the before mentioned camshaft position sensor.

Is the squeak present if you are in park or neutral with the engine running? If so, again it is not a CV joint.

Due to sound reflections, the squeak may not be from the front wheel/tire area, just bouncing off the firewall and appears to be from that area. Have you tried opening the hood to see if the noise gets louder with the hood open?

-Rod

Are you referring to engine RPMs or tire rotation speed? If engine RPMs, it will not be a CV joint as those rotate at the wheel speed, but not necessarily the engine rpm. For example, if the noise speeds up immediately when the transmission downshifts, but the vehicle has not yet picked up significant speed, you're probably looking at the before mentioned camshaft position sensor.

Is the squeak present if you are in park or neutral with the engine running? If so, again it is not a CV joint.

Due to sound reflections, the squeak may not be from the front wheel/tire area, just bouncing off the firewall and appears to be from that area. Have you tried opening the hood to see if the noise gets louder with the hood open?

-Rod
the noise doesn't happen when the car is in park, only while driving... and the noise seems to be directly linked with the tire rotation speed...

Are your tires wearing quickly? If the wheel is far enough out of alignment you can hear it rubbing against the road. Not a likely cause, but worth mentioning. If this is the problem, the car will pull significantly to one side. Another more likely thought, have you had your brakes changed lately? if the pin on the caliper is not properly aligned with the pad, it will squeak. Or at least it does on mine. I'm not sure if this is a front wheel you are worried about, but if it is, disreguard my second thought.

Are your tires wearing quickly? If the wheel is far enough out of alignment you can hear it rubbing against the road. Not a likely cause, but worth mentioning. If this is the problem, the car will pull significantly to one side. Another more likely thought, have you had your brakes changed lately? if the pin on the caliper is not properly aligned with the pad, it will squeak. Or at least it does on mine. I'm not sure if this is a front wheel you are worried about, but if it is, disreguard my second thought.
the pads and rotors were changed a few months ago, but i don't remember them squeaking afterwards, but i'll look into that as well...

Does it squeek while you are braking?

Does it squeek while you are braking?
no, actually thats the only time it's completely quiet...

Are you going to do the work yourself, or hire the work out?

If the noise stops when you apply braking, that ought to be your clue.

Since you have not yet replied, I am going to explain where I am coming from.

The fact that the squeel stops when you hit the brakes tells us the problem is with the brakes. If you are doing the work yourself, and cost is not a significant issue, I would throw parts at the problem. First change the rear pads. When you change them, make sure you use shims and it is also worthwhile to use the anti squeel compound they sell. I usualy only use shims, and don't have much of a problem. When you change out the rear brakes, make sure that the caiper mounting bracket is operating properly, that is that the pins easaly slide in and out. Also, line up the pin on the caliper with the slot on the brake pad. The front is easier. Just don't force anything in.

As for pads, you should try using high quality pads. They last longer and give shorter stopping distances (or at least I am told they do). I prefer Bendix. There offer a one time replacement, so the cost is not so bad over two brake changes.

If you are paying someone to do the work, it will get expensive quick. You may just want to get the brakes checked by someone reliable, and live with the squeek.

Most importantly, make sure that there is nothing wrong with your brakes. No amount of money is worth risking your life.

I had the same problem this past summer. I hated to drive with the windows down. It was my hubcabs. They are plastic and the front passenger one would rub against the rim. A little WD 40 goes a long way.:wink: