Squeal Coming From Driver Front

I have a 2003 Alero and have an occasional squealing noise that comes from the driver front. I hear this when I turn the wheel to the left and when I hit bumps. It kind of sounds like there is something rubbing against something to cause the squeal. Almost like fingernails against a chalkboard. The sound goes away when the brakes are applied. I was thinking it might be a strut or possibly the brakes??? Any help to diagnose this would be greatly appreciated.

I have a 2003 Alero and have an occasional squealing noise that comes from the driver front. I hear this when I turn the wheel to the left and when I hit bumps. It kind of sounds like there is something rubbing against something to cause the squeal. Almost like fingernails against a chalkboard. The sound goes away when the brakes are applied. I was thinking it might be a strut or possibly the brakes??? Any help to diagnose this would be greatly appreciated.


Could be a few things. If the noise disappears when braking you have worn out disc brake pads which will mean a brake job.

Another common noise in Aleros is a noisy upper strut mount. GM has a TSB out on the problem. However, that only occurs when making hard steering movements or going over bumps and normally does not disappear when hitting the brakes. To correct this problem replacement of the upper strut mount and load bearing will be necessary.

But since it is a high pitched squeal I'd go for the brakes.

BTW - The pads have wear indicators that will eventually contact the disc rotor to warn you the brakes are worn out.

You're most likely hearing the wear indicators scratching the rotors. I had this on my 2002 Alero about a year ago and I was in need of a brake job.

- Jeremy