Towncar Squeaking When Turning After 30 Minutes of Driving

Nyarlathotep

New member
Joined
Sep 15, 2023
Messages
8
Reaction score
3
Points
3
My Lincoln
2004 Towncar Ultimate
Hi everyone,

I got my 2004 Towncar Ultimate about 5 months ago, and over the past few weeks it has started to squeak from the front driver's side. Let me explain the situation in detail.

The Problem:
The car drives fine. When I start the engine first thing in the morning when everything is cool there are no sounds at any part of the driving experince i.e. accelerating, braking, turning, going fast or slow. After about 30 minutes of driving (city or highway doesn't matter), the car starts to make on and off squeak sounds at speeds of about 10 to 30 mph. The sounds are more audible when braking and when turning left. The more the car is driven (and therefore heats up), the more the sounds become audible. After about one hour of driving, the squeak/screech sound can now be heard by going at constant speed in the 10-30 mph range, braking, and turning left or right. If I stop and turn the car off and let it sit and cool for 15-30 mins everything sounds better and most of the screeching goes away until it comes back again.

Some Useful Info:
I have already changed the brake pads and rotors 3 months ago, so it shouldn't be that. My mechanics tells me that my front control arm and bushings need a change, but they're not fully shot. The power steering pump doesn't really make any noise, and the fluid color looks good.

Everywhere I read it says something about the power steering, but due to the timed nature of the problem and the good pump, I don't think that's the problem.
Could it be the bushings and the control arm, or is it something else that they can't find?
Has anyone else had this or seen this problem that can help me identify the issue?
Tie rod ends, ball joints, stuck calipers, glazed pads, struts, pittman arm, etc. What could it be?

Thank you for your help in advance!
 
Wheel bearing, heating up. Change both if you're going to change it. Good luck.
 
Inspect the UCA and LCA bushings. If you see cracks/dry rot or just look worn out then replace the bushings
 
I’ll assume the noise stops when you’re sitting still with the engine on?
______________________________
 
Inspect the UCA and LCA bushings. If you see cracks/dry rot or just look worn out then replace the bushings
Looks like the bushings are worn out. Will replace them. Thank you.
 
I’ll assume the noise stops when you’re sitting still with the engine on?
Yes, there are no irregular sounds when I sit still with engine on.
Do you have any guesses on what the problem could be?
______________________________
 
When sitting still, turn the steering wheel lock to lock. If the noise is there I’d say ball joints.
Failing that, find a shop with a drive on lift. One person pull the front down and up. The other person has a stethoscope to listen.
 
When sitting still, turn the steering wheel lock to lock. If the noise is there I’d say ball joints.
Failing that, find a shop with a drive on lift. One person pull the front down and up. The other person has a stethoscope to listen.
Will do. If I find anything irregular I'll let you know. Thanks!
 
Wheel bearing, heating up. Change both if you're going to change it. Good luck.
Inspect the UCA and LCA bushings. If you see cracks/dry rot or just look worn out then replace the bushings
When sitting still, turn the steering wheel lock to lock. If the noise is there I’d say ball joints.
Failing that, find a shop with a drive on lift. One person pull the front down and up. The other person has a stethoscope to listen.
Hi all,

Just had the shop to look at all the steering and suspension components (wheel bearings, control arms, bushings, struts, shocks, calipers and pins, rotors, springs, etc.). They found nothing wrong with them, and say that the only thing problematic are the sway arm bushings in the rear.
Do you think this is a misdiagnosed situation? Should I go to another shop?
 
I'd change the rear sway bar bushings and call it a day if it were mine. Good luck
______________________________
 
Hi all,

I just wanted to update anyone who is interested about the situation.
I've changed the sway bar bushings and for the last 14 days, there has been no squeak!
I think that must have been the problem after all.
I'll let you know if the sound comes back.

Cheers.
 
Hi all,

I just wanted to update anyone who is interested about the situation.
I've changed the sway bar bushings and for the last 14 days, there has been no squeak!
I think that must have been the problem after all.
I'll let you know if the sound comes back.

Cheers.
Good deal man ! Glad you got it.
 
Back
Top