91 318is wheel squeakage

[Sarc]

Not exactly the most scientific subject line, but here it goes.

The past month or so, we've been experiencing frigid temps here in sunny Detroit (0-20 F). After firing up the car and as I begin to head out, I'm experiencing some pretty loud squeaking from the front wheels (especially it seems the passenger side). This ends after I get on the highway about 5 minutes later.

The next time it occurs is when I get back into the car after it's been parked at work. In a couple instances (when it was really cold) it would start occuring after stopped at a traffic light.

Now this past weekend I took a road trip back home where the temps were in 35-40 F range. You guessed it, not one squeak, until that is it dropped to about 25 F my last day there.

So what do you guys think? Wheel bearing?
I've always been told to check for play in the front wheels when parked (no play found), and the sound doesn't change when I'm making a turn (which can usually reveal the culprit)

Or is it a simple lubrication issue?

Thanks for your time

Sarc

[carolinus]

You could be experiencing brake pad squeak. As it gets colder, the adhesives used to bind the pad material behave differently. By any chance do you have a new set of brake pads on just the passenger side?

[Sarc]

Hmm, didn't think of that. I haven't put new pads on since I recently bought the car (October of 2003). I imagine the brakes are newer as they stop like you wouldn't believe (at least to me, as I only have my mx-6 and girlfriend's 2004 civic as a comparison).

Thanks, Carolinus, for the input.

[carolinus]

If you take off a wheel up there and look at how thick the pad is, you can tell. New you are looking at about 1/3 to 1/2 of an inch. Worn out is about 1/8.

Unless it gets worse, though, I wouldn't worry.

I too have a 318iS, and I love it. This is coming from a 325iS, btw. Don't let anyone tell you the 318iS isn't just as great or better. Course, at $670, it cost me half what my 325iS did at $1200. :-)

I am going to put the euro smileys in, and finish restoring it just like I did the 325iS. It only needs a few things, and some paint work.

[Sarc]

Thanks again, Carolinus.

I absolutely love the "318is". Of course it could use more power, but the handling/braking is phenominal. Overall a very balanced car, in my opinion. Lightweight cars rule! I hope it serves me well over time.

As it's currently 7 degrees outside, I'm not in too much of a hurry to pull the wheel of to inspect the brakes, but I'm thankful for your advice. I'll have to check once we warm up a bit!

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

I'm guessing i'ts probably brake squeak based on the temperature. I would try pulling the padsw, spraying some anti-squeal on the backs and re-install.

[Sarc]

Thanks, Jared! Sounds like a good idea. High of 6 degrees today!
Friggen Michigan!

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

geez, it's like 80 degrees in Los Angeles today...

I bet putting that anti squeal on and tightening all the components solves the problem