Hi All:

My 2002 Mazda 626 just started making a squeeking sound when I'm driving slowly. [&o]Today, something new--the sound started right away, and it was louder. [:-]Didn't stop for about a mile.

Since a few days ago, and before today, it was just squeeking a little when I was driving slowly or turning, mostly to the left. Then it would stop.

It does need an oil change, and I'm doing that today. But I'm wondering if it's more than that. I'm worried that it has something to do with the brakes or steering.

Before summer, I had a whirring sound (like a squeegy cleaning glass) coming from the steering wheel since last year. I forgot about it all summer, since it seemed to go away, and I just noticed it starting again on the cooler days.

I did have to brake very hard on the highway last week to avoid an accident. Maybe the new squeeking has something to do with that.

Any ideas as to what these problems could be? I am taking the car in to have it looked at this week, but I'd like to get some idea of what the possibilities are.

Thanks! [&:]

 

Your squeaking noise when driving and turning could be the upper strut bushing getting worn and a little noisy. These are the bushings that allow your strut top mounts rotate freely of the strut to allow you to turn your steering wheel. They are only a cheesy little plastic disc and tend to make noise when drying out. Does it make this noise also when not moving but only when turning the steering wheel?
If it does then have someone put hand on where the front strut bolt to the body under the hood or listen in that area to see if noise is from there.
Whirring noise is probably one of several things. Have seen a few clocksprings make that type of noise. Clockspring is right under the steering wheel so if noise is definitely coming from there would consider that the problem. If noise is coming from further down the steering column and closer to the floor you could have one of two problems. Most common is noise from seals within the power steering rack. 626 was very prone to that. Does not seem to ever cause a problem but is just an annoying noise. Might also check where the steering column shaft goes thru the floor area. There is a rubber boot there that seals between the cabin and engine compartment. Sometimes that rubber boot gets dry where it contacts the steering shaft so a little silicone paste will lubricate and eliminate the noise.