2001 Protege ES Squeal

[pursuant]

Hello,

Just purchased a used 2001 Protege ES last Sat. While driving it around I noticed several different types of Squeals... Most of which went away when we put new tires on the vehicle (today). However, about 80% of the time a very high pitch squeal can still be heard when turning the steering wheel. I noticed that the even when the car is not in motion, just turing the steering wheel can create the same high pitched squeal. Does anyone have an idea of what this could be and if it could be something serious?

Thanks for your help!

[Salmon_Rob]

moved to appropriate section

[Tom03es]

I'd say either the belts need to be tightened and/or replaced.

[mickeyreategui]

belts!!!!

[pursuant]

Is this something serious?

[mickeyreategui]

^^not really, could just be old belts, a little loose, or just dried out.

[FSCatalyst]

Can you hear it when you turn the steering wheel while in motion (parking lot speeds?) or is it just while you are stopped?

It could be a simple belt thats needs to be tightened or it could be your tie rods. With the tie rods it has ungreasable bushings and if its dry it will create a sqealing/creaking sound. Give that a check by lifting the front end and give your tie rods a good wiggle to see if you can reproduce the noise. Or alternatively, with the steering whee unlocked, move your wheels left and right and see if that does anything.

[pursuant]

The squeal sound is actually most prevalent when in the parking lot, while making slow turns. There is a pattern to it, like something is turning and giving off this high pitch noise (squeal).

It looks like the car needs to be taken into the dealer for regular maintenance after about 500 miles. Is this something that can wait until then?

Again, thanks for the help!

[BaD_HeX]

Replace both of the belts. If they are not new (just put on) tightening them will probably cause them to break/shred.