1997 Mercury Cougar front end noise

1997 MERCURY COUGAR
83,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JARED11378
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On my Cougar it has started to make a grinding noise in the front end that is getting worse. I think it might be the wheel bearings since this problem mostly occurs at low speeds while turning. It will make the noise sometimes while driving at low speeds on flat surfaces. It also makes one last grinding noise as I exit the car and the weight is off the suspension. Do you have any idea what this could be? How can I check? Thanks in advance.
Apr 17, 2008 at 6:21 AM
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BMRFIXIT
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Do you here the noise after you stop and if you turn wheel left and right
if so check for dry ball joint and or tie rod ends
most likely ball joint
also jack tire and check bearing check brakes too
Apr 17, 2008 at 6:40 AM
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JARED11378
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[quote:f01e6c8215="BMRFIXIT"]Do you here the noise after you stop and if you turn wheel left and right
if so check for dry ball joint and or tie rod ends
most likely ball joint
also jack tire and check bearing check brakes too[/quote:f01e6c8215]

Youre right about hearing the noise sometimes after i'm stopped and when I turn the wheels left and right but, i just had the ball joints replaced a year ago. I didnt think it was them but I know how that goes. The tie rods are a new one I didnt think they would do that. Thank You
Apr 17, 2008 at 9:09 AM
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BMRFIXIT
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Some of the replacement ball joints and tie rod end comes with a grease fitting check if you have any on yours and if so grease them
Apr 17, 2008 at 12:51 PM
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JARED11378
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[quote:6ca458c971="BMRFIXIT"]Some of the replacement ball joints and tie rod end comes with a grease fitting check if you have any on yours and if so grease them[/quote:6ca458c971]

You were right. I greased the ball joints and tie rod ends and the noise got way better. I only had grease fitting on one ball joint the other one must be OEM. How do those last so long without grease zerks in them? Thanks for your advice.
May 1, 2008 at 10:28 AM