Any unusual sounds indicate problems in the operation of machines and vehicles.
Especially in the case of a squeaking noise from front wheel when driving, it is certainly not a good and safe sign for your upcoming trip.
We have compiled a list of the main causes of this problem based on the source of the annoying creaking sound.
Besides that, keep reading, and case-specific troubleshooting guides are also available in this post.
Common Reasons For Squeaking Noise From Front Wheel When Driving
Short answer: Tires play an integral role in the vehicle’s overall performance but pose a greater risk of failure than the rest.
The creaking sound from the front wheels adds discomfort to your journey and alerts you to growing hazards inside your vehicle, such as a worn-out tire and bad front brakes.
Here are some of the main factors that lead to your problem. Don’t miss it!
Bad Road Conditions
You may not have noticed: The car is always quieter on flat terrain while shaking and making loud noises when going into rough terrain.
New asphalt, gravel, and brick roads are the top culprits for front wheel squeaking when driving.
If you’re traveling on the interstate at about 75 miles with a sudden creaking sound coming from your wheels, slow down, and the annoying noise will disappear
If the squeaky noise coming from wheel disappears after a short while, it shouldn’t be a problem.
Bad Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings allow the wheels to operate smoothly and evenly throughout your journey. The better this system works, the lower the wheel’s friction during movement.
You can refer to the causes of wheel bearings problems that have been summarized below:
- The process of installing wheel bearings is not correct
- A low-quality product installed
- Unbalanced tires
- Consequences of the accident
- Traveling for a long time on bumpy, sinking, or slippery terrain
Repairing or changing the factors affecting the bearings can fix the problem quickly and limit the damage.
However, replacing the wheel bearings with new ones is the most effective and safest decision.
Underinflated / Overinflated Tires
Tires with abnormal air supply (over-inflated or under-inflated) can cause an annoying squeal during a ride, especially when turning.
Due to the marked reduction in the tread area in contact with the terrain surface, the tires tend to slip easily, deform and emit an unpleasant sound.
Tire pressure greatly affects your vehicle’s overall safety and performance, reducing brake response and fuel economy.
Tires that are too small cause the car to wobble and shake, while too much pressure can cause a difficult situation to control, easy wheel slip, and tire explosion.
In the above case, you should re-adjust the air in the tire to the specifications recommended by the vehicle manufacturer and combine it with regular maintenance and pressure checks.
Tip just for you: using an air pressure gauge or tread depth gauge helps you get the most detailed tire condition report. Most modern wheels have a tread size of 4/32 inches (or less).
Uneven Tire Tread Wear
Uneven tire tread wear causes the tire to drag instead of rolling smoothly as it should. Over time, uneven tread wear leads to a creaking sound when driving, turning, and braking.
Besides reducing tire life, it also reduces the vehicle’s steering response, traction, and braking system.
Because of the high technical requirements, it is best to leave the task of aligning tire tread wear to professional mechanics.
Rotating tires every 6000-8000 miles or 1 month helps to adjust the wear in a more balanced way, making the car run more smoothly.
Abnormal Tire Wear
The axle system, wheels, or suspension components are damaged, worn, or deformed due to external forces (potholes, rough terrain, accidents, etc.), leading to shell wear, ruffled, or tire tread of the wheel.
Depending on the situation, the squeaking noise coming from wheel will be different, such as “creak,” “thump,” or “wobble.”
When you notice unusual noises, you should immediately stop the car at a safe roadside wallet and assess the severity to devise a repair plan.
Never ignore this situation and continue on the journey, as it increases the risk of injury and accidents for the driver and all passengers inside.
Bad Brakes
After careful inspection, did you discover that the source of the shrill sound does not come from the tire but the front wheel brake?
Typically, manufacturers attach a metal tab to the brake pad support to determine brake wear.
When the brake pads need a new replacement, this metal tab will rub against the rotor, creating an annoying sound to warn the driver.
In addition, the hard parts of the brake calipers, in case of damage, lack, or wear, can also lead to the caliper being dragged, then rubbing against the rotor and causing the squeaking from wheel while driving.
The driver needs to narrow the field to identify the source of the problem, then repair or replace the damaged components (most typically rotors and brake pads).
Other Causes
Although the frequency of occurrence is not much, you should still pay attention to cases where the wheel cover deteriorates (rust or loose) and the nut has problems (loose or too tight).
These parts can be difficult to test, so leave this task to your local trusted mechanics.
How To Stop The Front Wheel From Squeaking When Driving?
Identifying the source of the problem and applying the correct solution will help return the vehicle to its ideal operating condition without causing a mess to the front wheels
In this section, we provide you with 3 commonly used solutions to reduce and stop the front wheel squeaking while driving.
Method 1: Change Route
Changing to a flatter route provides a comfortable riding experience and reduces the risk of possible damage to your wheels and tires!
Besides, no more annoying sounds can interfere with your favorite music on your cabin radio!
Using smartphone navigation apps (such as google maps) presents you with many options for a new route you might not have known about.
Some newer vehicles are also compatible with Apple Carplay or Android Auto, making finding a new path easier.
Method 2: Change The Wheel Bearings
Because of the different construction of modern cars, you won’t be able to change the wheel bearing on certain vehicle models arbitrarily.
If the results of your investigation show that your car is ready for a replacement, follow our specific 4-step guide below.
Step 1: Collect Tools
Make sure your toolbox is full of all the following necessary tools:
- New wheel bearings
- Hammer
- Carjack
- Sir tools pry bar set
- Torque wrench
- Jack stand
- Line wrench
- Socket wrench
- Tie rod removing tool
- Flat-head screwdriver
Step 2: Remove The Wheel
First, you need to jack the car to raise the front of the vehicle, then place the bracket to ensure the car will not fall on you. Unscrew the wheel nuts with a torque wrench, lift the wheel off, and set it aside.
Step 3: Replace The Bearings
Use a wrench to remove the brake caliper from the wheel assembly, then remove the drive shaft pin. Use the socket wrench to remove the nut on the drive shaft, then the nut holding the tie rod.
Removing the brace from the assembly will take quite a bit of work. Once this task is complete, remove the bolts holding the strut assembly and set them aside.
Use the hammer and screwdriver to remove the shaft assembly from the bottom nut joint. Finally, use the pry bar set to remove the wheel bearing.
Step 4: Reassemble All The Parts
Install the new wheel bearing in place of the old product, then reassemble all components in the reverse direction of steps 3 and 2.
During the procedure, wear rubber gloves to prevent the oil from damaging your hands.
Thoroughly check that the wheel bearings are compatible with your car to avoid sudden hazards on the next journey.
Method 3: Relign The Wheel
First, let’s get started by collecting all the tools listed below:
- Jack stand
- Rope
- Carjack
- Wrench set
Raise the vehicle’s top and secure it with brackets to prevent the car from falling over. Then it would help if you loosened the locking nuts on both ends of the brace.
Align the wheel in a straight direction. Secure one end of the rope to a sturdy support while the other is tied to a flat object.
Carry out an evenness check between the wheels and adjust the brace based on the measurement results.
When satisfied with the result, tighten the locking nuts on the tie rod to finish the wheel adjustment task.
Is It Dangerous To Drive A Squeaking Car?
The level of safety of driving with the squeaking wheel when driving completely depends on the part causing the noise.
Driving a car with noisy shock absorbers to the nearest auto repair shop is still safe.
But if the source of the problem includes accessory belts or brakes, it’s best to stop your journey and call an auto rescue team immediately.
Some Last Words
There are many possible causes of squeaking noise from front wheel when driving.
Depending on the situation, you can apply for a different solution at the repair center or even take care of your four-wheeled friend at home.
No one can prevent external factors and time from damaging their vehicles day by day.
But as a savvy driver, you can prolong the life and reduce the failure rate of your parts through thorough maintenance at specified intervals. Good luck!