1998 Dodge Stratus driver's side whining

1998 DODGE STRATUS
139,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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ZEN_LONG12
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My car has been making a very high pitched whine for over a year, coming from the driver's side front wheel area. It starts when the car gets to about 35 mph, and becomes more instense the faster you're driving. It does not matter whether your accelerating or coasting, the noise continues until you dip below about 20 mph, whether breaking or not. Our mechanic has repacked the ball bearings and checked the suspension, but neither seems to have been the issue. It was mentioned that the problem could be a u-joint, but I didn't think my front-wheel drive vehicle had them. It is definitely not a belt issue, either; in 2006 we replaced the timing and serpentine belts, and just recently replaced the timing belt again due to a failed pulley that shredded it. Is this a noise I should learn to live with, or should I get it fixed?
Jul 1, 2008 at 7:58 AM
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DOCFIXIT
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Does the noise change while turning?
Jul 1, 2008 at 8:05 AM
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ZEN_LONG12
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the noise doesn't happen while turning, but I believe that's because I am driving slower than 20mph. I probably won't take a turn faster just to find out, but my guess is that it would still be there.
Jul 1, 2008 at 8:12 AM
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DOCFIXIT
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With the car up to speed slightly turn wheel left then right like when the NASCAR clean their ties off.
Jul 1, 2008 at 8:16 AM
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ZEN_LONG12
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Okay. If it makes the noise still, what could it be? Or if it doesn't? A mechanic told me that there was a crack in the seal of the master cylinder, I'm pretty sure it's unrelated to this noise but is it possible that coul affect it?
Jul 1, 2008 at 8:20 AM
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DOCFIXIT
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This test determines if it is a wheel bearing. When you turn left you load the right bearing, noise increases bearing. Sameo when you turn right.
Jul 1, 2008 at 8:31 AM
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ZEN_LONG12
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Okay, I'll have to wait to test this until tomorrow, but I'll let you know how it goes! Thanks for helping me out.
Jul 1, 2008 at 8:55 AM