1995 Mercury Grand Marquis Steering Squeal

MERCURY MARQUIS
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ZYLOT
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I was driving back from work with my AC on, no problems. I stop at a sign, then when I go my car starts emitting this wretches squeal/squeek/soemthign noise and I can't move my steering wheel! Ok, so i use my ogre-like strength to force my wheel to move and somehow get back to my apartment. After I was home safe, further testing proved that if the vent is on, all is well, or if the AC is off. However, if the AC is on then the symptoms above repeat.

Symptoms also repeat if the underside of my car is splashed with water,

Ideas?
May 12, 2006 at 10:28 AM
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PEPPERMRJ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,158 POSTS
Please include a year and mileage. It will help narrow down problems for most any car.

Check the serpentine belts condition. Also check its tension and tensioner. A bad or loose belt will cause the noise and loss of steering assist. Water on the belt will make it worse.

Does the AC still work? Does the compressor turn freely?

Good luck and post back. :)
May 12, 2006 at 1:29 PM
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ZYLOT
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1995 Grand mArque, 150,000+

AC still works, not sure about the compressor. I'll have the to look at the belt, I believe the AC cause water to drip, it may be getting on the belt, as earlier when the underside of the car got wet the symptoms repeated. Thanx for the advice.
May 12, 2006 at 3:11 PM
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Suggested Repair

Inspect the serpentine belt, its tension, and the tensioner. A worn or loose belt can squeal and reduce power-steering assist, especially when wet or when the AC compressor adds load. Also confirm that the AC compressor turns freely.

Conversation Summary

A 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis with over 150,000 miles squeals and becomes hard to steer when the AC is on or when the underside gets wet; the AC still works. The expert advised checking the serpentine belt condition, tension, and tensioner, and verifying that the compressor turns freely. The owner planned to inspect the belt and suspected AC condensate was wetting it.

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