Technical High pitched squealing when driving

[ClaireCat]

Hello!

I just bought my first Stilo on Sunday - 2003 model. Sadly my first post is a question.

When driving it home, it started making a high pitched squealing noise when I was driving. It didn't do it all the time, but I'd say perhaps about once every minute or so. It really makes me not want to drive it.

I thought it might be the breaks, but it didn't do it when I was breaking, just when I was driving. I have booked it in to Halfords on Saturday for a break check, but I'm not really sure if its something they can fix?

I couldn't tell which side of the car it was coming from, and I'm absolutely rubbish with cars, so needing as much help as you can give me.

Thanks

 

[mhowse]

welcome..
could be number of things
May be alternator belt slipping does it do it when at a stand still or moving..if it does when only moving could be down to brake system pebble stuck in brakes or worn pads or down to a suspension part..
If does at stand still would check alternator belt slipping you could just try blipping throttle when at stand still see if it makes squeal happen then look into the belt and tensioner if you have one as on air con models
If you have booked in for brake check then if it is down to brakes they should be able to fix it but slipping belt also produce squealing noise and so does a failing water pump or bearing

 

[ClaireCat]

It only does it when its moving.
I can book it in to get the engine checked as well?

 

[mhowse]

if it only does it when moving..then brake parts be good first check may just be stone trapped in disc shield or worn pads still worth checking as brakes can be handy...and when you raise the revs at a standstill you get no squeal so would eliminate with hope anything engine wise...if you could get an idea of which side and if front or back

 

[ClaireCat]

Ok, so I was driving back from work today and I think the noise is coming from the back left. I'm presuming its something to do with the breaks, but they feel ok, so I dont think they're needing replaced, but I could be wrong.

 

[Clivvy]

Could be a sticking caliper-slow to release hence the squealing every minute or so. My bets on drivers side rear caliper sticking with unevenly worn pads leading to needing a new caliper, new brakes discs and pads and one or the entire brake cable assembly.

I'm probably wrong though....just be prepared...!

 

[850kd]

Im with clivvy on this one . It could well be the handbrake cable sticking so the pads are partially 'on'.
Whereabouts are you - post your location so someone might know a local fiat specialist with more knowledge than halfrauds.

 

[ClaireCat]

Aw, this sounds expensive now! lol!

I'm in Aberdeen.
I'm not 100% on this one, but, when I was driving home tonight, I thought it felt almost a bit grindy when I was driving, as if something was rubbing. I checked the tyres when I got home to see if any of them were warm, and they wernt.

 

[mhowse]

best thing would be to get them inspected so they can jack car up and feel if any brake is binding, most common is the rear to bind, replaced both rear calipers on mine not long after I got it, you can get refurbished ones which make the cost considerable cheaper, though if it is the calipers it would depend on the garage doing the work if you still taking car to halfords best to ask for quote first, as an independant garage may be more happy to negotiate on the parts used, refurbished are just as good and have the new seals in them mine have been on for 4 years now and still doing ok
Not sure which model stilo you have but to give you idea of price if caliper needs replaceing have read of link below, as if it does need new rear caliper depending on which side you may be able to get the parts yourself and take to garage that is happy to do the work I do not know of any garages in Aberdeen as I am in Inverness
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LH-Rear-B...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item25794d4d05

 

[ClaireCat]

Thanks guys.

When I got to work yesterday, the rear offside wheel was hot, so took it to the garage. They said the brake pad had seized onto the calipur, so they took it all apart and greased it and put it back on.

They did also tell me the front offside coil spring was broken. I'm hoping its not something majorly urgent and I can hold off getting it done until it needs serviced in August before its mot?

 

[850kd]

Claire: You should get the spring replaced asap. In fact its normal to replace these springs in pairs. A broken spring will cause the car to handle badly and risks further damage. I have driven a stilo with a broken spring but only as far as the repairer's and travelling on smooth roads ad moderate speed.

 

[ClaireCat]

Damn it.

Guess I better get it booked in then.