Question about squealing noise in the corners

JackLeonOwner

Active Member
Apr 12, 2017
5
0
Thanks in advance to anyone taking the time to read my thread.
I own a 2013 MK3 Leon 1.6tdi se the 105ps one that has just passed 50k miles.

I've always kept up with oil and filter changes etc.. In the last couple of months it has developed a loud squealing noise on long right turns, although I've never heard it on a left hand turn I can't rule this out.

Seems to happen more often at speeds of 20-40 mph (may well do it at higher speeds but I suspect the engine and road noise covers it up). Starts at the beginning of the turn and carries on for a couple of seconds after the wheel is straightened up again. Seems to me as if it is getting louder over time. Sounds to me like a metal on metal rubbing noise but I maybe wrong. Quite worried it could be the cambelt on its way out but as I can't find a specific mileage or age this should be changed at I don't want to go ahead and do it without being sure. Thought I'd ask you guys who I'm sure are more knowledgeable than me about this kind of thing. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated!
 

JackLeonOwner

Active Member
Apr 12, 2017
5
0
Forgot to include, I've had a good search on the forums and can't seem to find anything similar to my problem :( Also as far as I know the power steering is electric in this car so I'd be right in saying it couldn't be a power steering fluid/ belt issue?
 
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MyLeon

Active Member
Jun 3, 2015
349
2
Sounds like it could be a worn out brake pad. Have you checked them recently? Do as previous post mentions, it would rule it in or out.


2015 Leon ST FR 184 DSG
 

JackLeonOwner

Active Member
Apr 12, 2017
5
0
Funnily enough you should say that but the front pads were changed around a month ago and the noise was happening before they changed. I suppose they could still be rubbing though. I will definitely try replicating the noise and see if applying the brakes whilst it is happening makes any difference though. Thanks for the suggestion :)
 
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yozza1987

Leon Mk3 Fr
Sep 3, 2013
102
0
Worcester
Might sound mad but it may be your wheel bearings. I had the issue start a little while ago. Noise when turning one way and not the other. Then started getting noises at 40-60mph. Disappearing below 20 and above 70mph. Checked the brakes. Wheel balancing and tracking etc. Even jacked up the front end and found it present when driven up to those speeds. No play in the bearings either but the noise would stop when braking. Took to the dealer today and they seemed to agree wheel bearings but not sure until it is on ramps on Tuesday. Mines 3 years old and done 22000 miles
 

JackLeonOwner

Active Member
Apr 12, 2017
5
0
Might sound mad but it may be your wheel bearings. I had the issue start a little while ago. Noise when turning one way and not the other. Then started getting noises at 40-60mph. Disappearing below 20 and above 70mph. Checked the brakes. Wheel balancing and tracking etc. Even jacked up the front end and found it present when driven up to those speeds. No play in the bearings either but the noise would stop when braking. Took to the dealer today and they seemed to agree wheel bearings but not sure until it is on ramps on Tuesday. Mines 3 years old and done 22000 miles

I had thought about wheel bearings but the noise is intermittent sometimes I can go days without hearing it which makes me thing perhaps not, or was this the same with yours? It's also more high pitched than the noise I would think of from a bad wheel bearing, nothing is out of the question though I suppose.
Thanks everyone for the replies I'll be having a more indepth look into it on the weekend when I've got some time.
 
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yozza1987

Leon Mk3 Fr
Sep 3, 2013
102
0
Worcester
Had a slight noise with mine on and off over winter. But thought nothing of it. Now the warmer temperatures have arrived it seems to have gone really loud. When I drive home tonight it will be quiet until I have done approx 1-2 miles but I know around mid day tomorrow it will start after less than a mile. Hope you find the issue to the noise and it's an easy fix
 

g_berserk

Smartass in training
Oct 15, 2014
164
24
Monterrey, Mexico
Sorry to bring this thread back from the grave, but wanted to know if anyone has figured this out?

Mine does the same irritating noise on long left-hand turns. the only thing I have to add to the mistery is that it appears to happen only when the A/C is on.
I have my suspicious that it could be related to the rear seat blower.
 

Bubbs

Active Member
Jul 18, 2013
214
7
🇬🇧
My first thought was 'power steering belt worn'... but that would need a power steering system with a pump on, and I think the Leon is electric.

So next jump... what makes the electricity? The alternator, which is driven by a v belt. Perhaps that belt is slipping a touch when the electricity demand increases, meaning extra stress on that bit of the engine. It would deffo be more likely to happen when the ac is on too if that were the case.

Thankfully it's an easy check. First, start engine. Turn on EVERYTHING electrical. Air con, heated seats if you have them, lights, rear window, mirrors, radio etc.

Next, turn the wheel lock to lock whilst stationary. If it squeaks, it's more than likely the belt on the alternator slipping a bit.

Where is the alternator belt? I think it should be lower left hand side of the engine as you look at it - diagram here:

http://www.oemepc.com/seat/part_sin...903/subcategory/903080/part_id/1407978/lang/e

Normally a worn v belt will look somewhat shiny on the inside, sometimes with a few cracks/perishing marks.

Could be barking up the wrong tree entirely but subject to age and mileage of the car it's worth checking :)
 

Dt-spd

Active Member
Sep 1, 2015
246
1
Rugby
Check the inside face of the front brake discs.

I had a similar issue and it was the inner edge on the inside face of the break discs, severe corrosion that rubbed against the pads when cornering.
 

g_berserk

Smartass in training
Oct 15, 2014
164
24
Monterrey, Mexico
I did some more testing, ruled out the soundaktor, moonroof, discs, wheelhubs, and was about to give up when I parked the car and turned off the aircon and it did the sound faintly and fading away.

Turned it on again and it did it again, off, on, off, on, off on... every time the same result.

I tracked the sound to the passenger side inside the dashboard, so I will probably will have to learn to live with it as I'm sure that taking off the dashboard will induce a million more squeals and rattles :shrug: