Squealing when turning

[jedalton]

Can anyone help ID a couple of strange noises on my '86 Carrera?

1) There is a high-pitched squeal that occurs when I make sharp turns. I have only noticed it when turning right, but my wife swears she has heard it turning both directions. It does not occur with every turn, but only about half of the time, usually noticed at lower speeds in parking lots. It is not related to applying breaks.

2) I also notice an occasional lower-pitched whining noise when driving at higher speeds (70 mph+).

Any help would be much appreciated. I'm a new member to 911 ownership, and very much am enjoying it!

Jerad

[ZOA NOM]

Wheel bearing going bad. It's a good DIY project to replace them (at least the fronts). If it is the rear, it is a little more involved with the most difficult part being removal of the giant axle nut and pressing out the bearing. You can put the suspect wheel up off the ground and check for bearing looseness by grabbing the tire at two sides or top and bottom and rocking it back and forth. You should feel no wobble on the spindle. If you decide to replace the bearings, I would recommend changing the races with them. They're relatively cheap, and you won't ruin a new bearing on a scored race.


edit: I forgot, WELCOME ABOARD! And be sure to use the search feature to find more info than you could ever need.

[gabenheimer]

Yep, sounds like a wheel bearing. I just replaced my front bearings for the same reason. If you have a press, it's an easy three-hour job. If you don't have a press for the bearing races, take the hub to a machine shop. They can install the races in just a few minutes.

If you have any questions, there are many, many useful threads on this BBS.

Randy