25mph = chirp....chirp....chirp
60mph = chirpchirpchirpchirp



There's something making a chirping noise from the left rear end of the car, probably? from the left rear wheel. Any ideas as to what it could be? I don't have jack stands or a jack, so things I could try to check with the wheels on the ground would be nice.

Could this be related to being sideswiped on the drivers side?

 

So reading about chirping on different forums, seems like I should try a few things:

1. Jack up the left rear end and try to wiggle/rotate the tire a little.
2. Take off the tire and check the calipers + brake pads.
3. Switch the rear tires (with help from the spare) and hear what happens.

 

A sideswipe could certainly have caused unseen damage.

Although you can remove the wheel to check the tyre / rim for damage and the caliper / pads / back plate for anything sticking, you can't rotate the wheel without both rear wheels off the ground.

Certainly worth starting with taking the wheel off for a thorough inspection.

Graham

 

I can use the spare to facilitate rotating the rears, no?

 

YES - it just takes longer than using a pair of axle stands.

If you have directional tyres, there's no harm in running them on the 'wrong' side as a test to see if the chirping noise moves to the other side but don't forget to put them back the right way round afterwards.

Graham

 

This may be too simple but when I hear the word "chirping" it makes me think of wear indicators on the brakes. You probably don't even have to take the wheel off to shine a flashlight on the brake pad and see if it looks worn down to backing plate of the brake pad. Jac

 

Handbrake shoes have some tendency to sticking. Any difference if you pull the handbrake while driving? Does braking slightly in general cause a difference in noise?

Jouko