Most Likely Culprits:
* Suspension Components:
* Sway Bar Bushings/Links: Worn or dry bushings can squeak, especially during turns or over bumps. Inspect for cracks, tears, or excessive play in the sway bar bushings and links.
* Ball Joints: While usually accompanied by clunking or other noises, worn ball joints can sometimes squeak. Check for excessive play or binding in the ball joints. This requires jacking up the car and checking manually.
* Control Arm Bushings: Similar to sway bar bushings, worn control arm bushings can squeak. Inspect for cracks, tears, or excessive movement.
* Struts/Shocks: While less common for a squeal, worn struts or shocks can sometimes make noises, particularly if the rubber boots are torn.
* Brakes:
* Brake Pads: Worn or contaminated brake pads can squeal. Inspect the pads for wear and cleanliness.
* Caliper Pins: If the caliper pins are seized or rusty, they can cause squealing. Lubricate them with high-temperature brake caliper grease.
* Rotors: Grooved or warped rotors can squeal. Inspect the rotors for grooves or warping.
* Steering Components:
* Power Steering Pump/Fluid: Low power steering fluid or a failing pump can create squealing noises, often speed-dependent. Check the fluid level and condition.
* Rack and Pinion: While less common for a squeal, worn rack and pinion components can sometimes make noises.
* Belt Tensioner/Idler Pulley: While usually more of a high-pitched whine, a squealing belt can sometimes sound like a squeak, especially if the belt is slightly loose. Check belt tension.
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Isolate the Sound: Try to pinpoint where the squeak is coming from. Have someone steer while you listen carefully, or vice versa. Drive over different road surfaces to see if the squeak changes.
2. Visual Inspection: With the car safely supported on jack stands (NEVER work under a car supported only by a jack), inspect all the above-mentioned components for wear, damage, or dryness. Look for obvious cracks, tears, or excessive play.
3. Test for Play: Manually check for play in suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings, sway bar links). This requires some knowledge of automotive mechanics.
4. Lubrication: If you suspect dry bushings or other components, apply a high-quality lubricant (appropriate for the specific component – don't use anything on brake components that isn't brake grease). This is a temporary fix; if the squeak returns, replacement is likely needed.
5. Test Drive: After each potential fix (lubrication, etc.), test drive the car to see if the squeak is gone.
If you're not comfortable performing these checks yourself, take your Mustang to a qualified mechanic. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose the problem accurately and perform the necessary repairs. Trying to fix it without the proper knowledge could lead to further damage or injury.
