What would cause a grinding noise when turning the wheel

1997 MERCURY COUGAR

125,000 MILES

CSTAFF25

MEMBER
46 POSTS

Either direction, while sitting still or moving slowly? It is a RWD vehicle. I haven't had a chance to give a look at it yet. Seems to drive fine when going at normal road speeds. I figured I would check power steering first and then give a look underneath. Kind of just trying to get an idea of what to look for. I will have better info after I can isolate the noise, but as I said any pre-ideas of what to look at would be nice to know. Thank you

Apr 30, 2012 at 9:03 AM

CSTAFF25

MEMBER
46 POSTS

Also I noticed a while back when I went over speed bumps there was a crunching sound from the suspension. Possibly coming from the same source? I don't know?

Apr 30, 2012 at 9:22 AM

ASEMASTER6371

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
52,796 POSTS

i would look for a wheel bearing with a lot of play. it souds like one is failing

Roy

Apr 30, 2012 at 10:42 AM

CSTAFF25

MEMBER
46 POSTS

Thanks for the response. There was no play in today when I checked it out. I took both front wheels off and couldn't find anything. Also I haven't been able to exactly pin point where the noise is because it is kind of hard to turn the wheel and listen and at the same time by myself. When I get a chance for someone to help me I will find exactly where it is, but in the mean time....

Apr 30, 2012 at 11:10 PM

ASEMASTER6371

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
52,796 POSTS

look at the ball joints as well. they are common for noise as they do not have grease fittings.

Roy

Apr 30, 2012 at 11:12 PM

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