car issues

[utmck]

My daughters car (97' Pontiac Sunfire) has an annoying squeel that sound like it is coming out from the front right wheel. It is random and doesn't just happen while braking or at a certain speed.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[brntorng]

Are you certain it's from the wheel or just that general area? It could be any number of things including a power steering pump going out causing the belt to slip to a loose belt to wheel bearings to a stuck brake cylinder, etc. Best bet is just to have it checked out since it's possible it could have safety implications.

 

[HornBud]

Does it happen only when the car is moving or also when it's idle?

Open the hood, and try to see if you hear anything from where the belts are. You need to start eliminating possibilities, because we have a few too many options at this point.

 

[TxStHorn]

When was the last time she had her brakes checked?

There is a metal indicator when the pads get low, that will squeal to let you know that the pad it getting low - it starts out intermittent, but will later become constant.

 

[cinchhorn]

Could be the brake pads or time to buy new bearings and pack them. Packing and installing bearings is pretty easy, maybe takes 30min. -1hour.