Rubbing Rubber Sound

[ejsharp]

My wife came home today with the 1993 190E and the car was making a sound that appears to be coming from the area of the right front wheel. It is a kind of low pitch tonal squeek that only occurs when the steering wheel is turned in either direction. It sounds like rubber rubbing against itself or against steel.

I did a visual check with a flash light but I saw nothing unusual. Could it possibly have something to do with the cold weather? Temperatures are down to about 20 degrees farenheit.

Thanks.

[theairboy]

If you don't have access to a tool truck go to a cheepo auto parts store and get a auto stethascope. Take the metal wond off the end so its just the bell or tube and have someone turn the wheel left and rite for you. Then take the scope and aim it twards the susp. parts tierod ends/ball joints/lower A arms to frame bushings.

When you find the noisiest area you will have your culprit.

Warning::: be sure to tell your assistant not to turn the wheel more than is needed so the don't break your arm.....lol

[ejsharp]

Thanks for that bit of information. This symptom is a first for me. The wife tells me that she did hit a "small" pot hole the day the noise began. Could this have something to do with the squeek? If so what part would most likely be squeeking?

Again thanks.

[Jim H]

Check ball joint(s) and other front suspension parts, or have a good tire and alignment shop check for you. Could be a dry ball joint, if so it needs to be replaced very soon.

Best Regards,
Jim