[Xperiel]

I have a 2014 Smart Fortwo Passion (which I'm LOVING) but I'm having this weird issue. When you push on the accelerator, there's what sounds like a "spinning" squeal from the front. I can't tell exactly where because it only happens over about 25MPH, but it seems like it's coming from around the wheels. It only happens when you hit the gas. As soon as you let up or press the brake it stops.

I had the car inspected before I bought a month ago and was told it was in excellent shape. The squeal developed about 3.5 weeks ago.
I found enough info to spray a silicone lube onto some of the front wheel bushings, but it didn't help the issue. I'm not experienced at all in cars so I'm not sure what else to look for. Has anybody experienced this issue/have any idea what could be causing it? Other than the noise, the car drives great.

 

[jwight]

Welcome to SCoA!

 

[Smart Bob]

I would check the front wheel bearings. The front fan could also make a squealing sound. You can check this by turning on the A/C and listening for the sound. This should occur anytime the front fan is running whether or not the vehicle is stationary or in motion. The front wheel bearings would only be heard if the vehicle is in motion.

 

[Xperiel]

Thank you ^___^ After I get this fixed I want to get some nice pics to show everyone my Smart

 

[Xperiel]

I would check the front wheel bearings. The front fan could also make a squealing sound. You can check this by turning on the A/C and listening for the sound. This should occur anytime the front fan is running whether or not the vehicle is stationary or in motion. The front wheel bearings would only be heard if the vehicle is in motion.

Certainly the AC does not cause a difference. Also, it definitely is only when the vehicle is in motion (above 25mph or so). What's the best way to check the bearings while the vehicle is stationary? Can I jack them up and spin them?

 

[Smart Bob]

Jack up each front wheel & grasp the tire at the 12 o'clock & 6 o'clock position and move the tire/wheel assembly in and out. If there is noticeable play, you will need to replace the hub which will come with new bearings. Also, rotate the tire/wheel assemblies and listen & feel for any roughness or grinding noises.

 

[sokoloff]

Would seem to be pretty unlikely that bearings would be bad already on a 2014? If it stops whenever you hit the brakes, that's where I'd be looking. So after it stops and you again go above 25 mph, the noise is gone for the rest of that trip?

Len
2014 EV

 

[Miss Mercedes]

My 2012 has done this since new. What you're likely hearing is the brake pad on the front right wheel lightly rubbing the rotor. At slow speed, it should make a very quiet "schwing"-type noise, which becomes a sort of spinning sound once you get to speed. I never bothered to get it fixed since it didn't seem to have any negative impact on brake pad life or anything other than the noise.

 

[Xperiel]

Would seem to be pretty unlikely that bearings would be bad already on a 2014? If it stops whenever you hit the brakes, that's where I'd be looking. So after it stops and you again go above 25 mph, the noise is gone for the rest of that trip?

Len
2014 EV

No, it continues as soon as we let up on the brake. I'm surprised too, thought it does have 25XXX miles, which I guess is a lot for the age of the vehicle. I think I'll look into changing out the pads for sure.

My 2012 has done this since new. What you're likely hearing is the brake pad on the front right wheel lightly rubbing the rotor. At slow speed, it should make a very quiet "schwing"-type noise, which becomes a sort of spinning sound once you get to speed. I never bothered to get it fixed since it didn't seem to have any negative impact on brake pad life or anything other than the noise.

I see. I honestly thought it was the breaks to begin with. I'd say the "schwing" sound is accurate at low speeds.

 

[jimvw57]

25K miles is not a lot of miles, I drive right around 35K miles a year. brake calipers release the brake when you let up on the pedal, the calipers and pads move back a fraction of an inch from the rotors so next time you won't have to press so far on the pedal. Any 'flash rust' on the rotors will cause the breaks to squeak when they turn and make slight contact with the brake pads. That could be what you are hearing, or the rotors could be warped from getting hot and cooling from rain or a puddle.

If it is noise from the brakes, there are ways to fix them and keep them quiet. Best left up to a mechanic if you are not familiar with brakes. Neon is correct when he says it doesn't affect the way the brakes work.

 

[wrumbarger]

a friend of mine was working on his car one Saturday.

After he finished he took it out for a test drive.

Heard a horrible squealing noise coming from the passenger side.

Drove back home with the noise still there.

Threw his wife out of the car and hasn't had the problem since?