Q: Growling noise in front wheels and steering wheel Mercury Sable

asked by on September 20, 2016

After I drive my mercury sable for awhile when I turn left or right there is a growling noise in the steering wheel that sounds like it is coming from the front wheels.

My car has 83000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Clunking or knocking noise from wheels Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello, thanks for writing in. I am happy to help you with the unusual noise issue you are experiencing with your 2003 Mercury.

If the noise is NOT occurring during turns when the car is cold, but rather only after the car fully warms up, you may have an issue with the power steering system that could be pump related or in the rack and pinion assembly.

If the noise occurs regardless of whether the car is hot or cold, the noise could be due to defective CV joints, strut bearings, or wheel bearings. Other somewhat less likely possibilities include part interference or brake issues. What you are describing is fairly easily diagnosed once the vehicle is actually examined.

If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make any repairs as needed.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

air suspension
Typically, to protect the air compressor motor from overheating, if there is a leak, after so much "run time" the compressor will be locked out. Obviously, the purpose of that control strategy is to prevent the compressor from being needlessly...
Service Engine Soon Light pops up
Your service engine light will come on at specified intervals for many different reasons that are preset by the vehicle manufacturer. These are generally just reminders to have the vehicle serviced soon. Depending on the vehicle, there are a series...
Oil doesn't show on the dipstick until second pull.
Hi there. What could be happening is the dipstick is binding up on the oil pan in the dipstick tube. Check the dipstick tube and make sure that it is not bent or have a kink in it. Also, when...
I have a power steering fluid leak, stop leak didn't work. How long car I drive with that problem.
If the leak is not large and you are able to keep the power steering reservoir full by adding back the missing fluid, you can probably drive the car for quite some time. However, such is impractical and thus professional...
1992 Acura Legend, when the timing belt goes, is it common for the valves to bend?
If the timing belt break off, the engine's pistons will hit the valves as the pistons are moving. The engine is an interference engine and can cause damage to the internals of the engine. The last time the belt came...
Temperature gauge problem on a 2005 Mercedes Benz S500
Hello - I would first check for problem codes, whether the Check Engine light is illuminated or not. And, if the engine is not really overheating, the problem is most likely the engine temperature sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/3-essential-things-to-know-about-your-car-s-temperature-gauge) (the sensor for the...
How long will it take to replace the v-belt.
Hi there. By V belt, I assume you're referring to the serpentine belt for your Toyota Highlander. In order to receive a price quote and time estimate, we need you to click this link (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement) then select the Get a...
how long should it take to replace a brake vacuum pump on a 2003 Ford F-250 super duty ?
Without diagnosis or testing the vacuum brake booster pump will take less than 1.5 hours. The time may vary if components are rusted, corroded or any other problems are encountered.
Hello replaced bent exhaust valve on 03 bmw 745li reassembled everything now car cranks but wont start only pending code po365
Hi there. Essentially, the P0365 code means (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0365-obd-ii-trouble-code-camshaft-position-sensor-b-circuit-bank-1-by-valerie-johnston) that there has been a lack of voltage detected from the camshaft position sensor B in bank 1 by the PCM within a few seconds of the engine starting. The camshaft position...

Related articles

3 Essential Things to Know About Your Car’s Rims
The The car’s rims are what the inside edge of the tire is mounted on. The rim makes up the circular design of the wheel, so the tire can be safely placed on the automobile. There are several types of...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Tie Rod End
Common signs of a faulty tie rod end include a front end alignment that is off, a shaky or loose steering wheel, and uneven or excessive tire wear.
How to Replace Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings are parts that allow the wheels on your vehicle to spin freely and with as little friction as...