constant squeaking

[gardener87]

squeaking from the front end whilst driving, this happens when ive been driving for quite a while so i tyhink when something gets warm and expands
the steering wheel currently sits off to what it should be and the squeaking happens when i slightly turn the wheel a certain way so rather annoying when on a dual carriage way that slightly bends the whole way
what gets me is that it stops squeaking when a hit the brakes
i dont think it could be the pads rubbing on the discs as turning the wheel wouldn't alter this

[rangerman77]

Had a very similar thing - the radius arm bushes were kaput.  Just a thought. 

Daft question but does it get worse on any particular sort of road surface?

[>>CHOP<<]

....make sure you have no play on bearings ...

make sure theres no binding of brakes...a good overhaul of the calipers is maybe well overdue...try stripping them and cleaning the sliders copperslip grease them when i did mine i was amazed at the gunk inside them...worked fabulous since i did them ...

[gardener87]

as ive mentioned in the past i don't really know what i am doing
il have to get my self a haynes manual i think to try and get some of these jobs done

[>>CHOP<<]

yes definatly...well worth it...alot of the stuff isnt rocket science and quite easy to get your head around......but if you havn't confidence with life saving things like brakes then i would certainly say get some assistance from someone who does..

[old hippy]

plug the cat in overnight lol

[gardener87]

gave her a good bit of wd40 on steering parts c if that helps first i think

[rangerman77]

squeaking from the front end whilst driving, this happens when ive been driving for quite a while so i tyhink when something gets warm and expands
the steering wheel currently sits off to what it should be and the squeaking happens when i slightly turn the wheel a certain way so rather annoying when on a dual carriage way that slightly bends the whole way
what gets me is that it stops squeaking when a hit the brakes
i dont think it could be the pads rubbing on the discs as turning the wheel wouldn't alter this

Sorry, misread your post - didn't see that it stopped when you applied the brakes!

[gardener87]

i think i have found a possible issue causing the squeaking but still dont know y the steering would have anything to do with it
drivers side brake pads sit on the disk at all times, passenger side wheel spins quite freely but drivers side i have to help it round whilst up on the jack
havent got my haynes manual yet but will be soon
can anyone tell me if it is possible to adjust the brakes and how to do it, or can i swap the pads around on that disk??? swap the inner one round with the outer one
i had both front wheels off today and gave everything a clean up except taking off the brakes as not sure how yet
worked off all rust from the disc edges and cleaned springs and inside and out of my standard steels
also took out air filter and gave it a wash
need to see if i have a socket set with a long enough socket the get at the spark plugs as they are quite tricky to get at
may attempt cleaning the engine down tomorrow a have a good cleaner to removes grease and oil ect.
it may sound like a silly question is it ok to get the engine really wet when cleaning it down or is there certain areas i have to watch out for???

working on the van again tomorrow going to do the back wheels tomorrow

[>>CHOP<<]

Hi ...i had a similar problem with my brakes binding slightly..the pistons in the calipers were not returning much..to sort it i had to compleatly remove the calipers and strip them right down...drained the chambers and flushed them out ..oiled all behind the rubber seals and...cleaned all the sliding parts and greased with copperslip grease...as an extra for myself i also at the same time replaced the discs and pads ..drained all the fluid and replaced with fresh fluid..did a similar thing with the rear ..but it sorted all my poblems with the brakes the brakes are now super ..

just swapping the pads around will make them worse as they wear to the profile and groovs of the discs ...

to take the spark plugs out ..i find it easier to just unplug and remove the two water bottles just to make a little more room.....and use a short extention with the spark plug socket ..i use the universal joint one...

the engine obviously gets wet in wet conditions ....but if your thinking of power washing it ..disconnect the battery then try to avoid electrical items such as alternator and coil distributer...and take care around the carburettor...when i did mine i use a good degreaser and a inch size paint brush...with the bristles cut short...then just rinse it off with a gentle flowing hose 

good luck..once you get into it...its hard to stop

[gardener87]

cheers for the advise im going to get my manual before attempting the brakes i think, should get the other bits done in the meantime