Screeching /squealing sound coming from front of car

BRETTP123

MEMBER
2001 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE
110,000 MILES

Hi guys,

So this problem started last week. Whenever I start the engine at the start of the day, the car makes this squealing sound near the front wheels. The squealing sound goes off after 30secs to a minute.

Also, this noise happens every now and then when I am travelling at low speeds (0-10mph), and sometimes it gets louder when I am making a turn. It never occurs when I am travelling at higher speeds (above 20-30mph). Every time, the noise persists for a minute or so before it disappears. I am not sure whether it is due to the brakes, because this occurs regardless of whether the brakes are being applied.

I've brought my car to the mechanic twice but the noise did not occur during the checks and so the mechanics were unable to give a diagnostic.

Information about car:

Mitsubishi Mirage, 2001
Automatic
Water pump and timing belt are new - changed a month ago.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,912 POSTS

This is typical of a slipping serpentine belt. It is loose or the spring-loaded tensioner pulley is rusted tight and not putting enough tension on the belt. To verify this, dribble a little water on the smooth backside of the belt while the engine is running. That will usually change the noise. If it's squealing, the water will make is stop. If it's not squealing, it may start to with the water.