wheel chirping and thumping sound under passenger side floorboard

[JackDaniels386]

Hey, I was wondering if anyone knew what could be causing the wheel to chirp while im going down the road, then a little while later, something right under the passenger side floorboard starts thumping really loud. The chirping sounds almost like when you need a brake job, but it chirps at all times even when im not pressing the brakes. could this be the wheel bearings? whats causing the thumping? can anyone help? thanks

[titantn24]

It could possibly be that your heat shield which covers your exhaust pipe/catalytic converter has come loose. My 2000 Taurus SE began making a chirping noise right after I had hydroplaned out of control on the interstate during a heavy rain. I figured I had knocked my exhaust manifold loose or something worse, and come to find out, the right front corner of my heat shield had ripped loose where the bolt attached it to the underbody of the car. So the vibration of the car caused it to vibrate and created a squeeking/chirping sound. The thumping you described could be the shield hitting the underbody as you drive. I could be totally wrong, but your situation sounds similar to one I experienced. Hope I was of some assistance.