repetitive chirping, turns to whistle at high speeds.

[profquad]

Been trying to figure this out for years now, finally have some time to spare.
There's a whistle coming from one of my front wheels at high speeds that is very loud. At first I thought it was related to the speedometer, since it wiggles in time with it. Then I thought it was the tape holding the bumper together, but it's too periodic at lower speeds. Then I had the dreadful thought it was my wheel bearings, but I just jacked it up and couldn't budge my wheels in either direction.
Any other thoughts?
It's hard to tell exactly which side it comes from, but I stick my head out the window on the freeway trying to pinpoint it lol.
Oh, it also stops with the slightest application of the brakes, so I'm thinking it's in there, but I've taken the pads out twice since it started.

[ShiRen]

You should probably just start with a front end refresh. You don't have to replace everything but you can check the axles, brakes, repack bearings, clean it up, and restore it's health. Don't give it any reason to speak, that includes tape on the bumper.
It's not the speedometer, the cable comes out of the trans and goes straight into the gauge

[Dr_Snooz]

Your brake pads are worn out.

[Oldblueaccord]

Been trying to figure this out for years now, finally have some time to spare.
There's a whistle coming from one of my front wheels at high speeds that is very loud. At first I thought it was related to the speedometer, since it wiggles in time with it. Then I thought it was the tape holding the bumper together, but it's too periodic at lower speeds. Then I had the dreadful thought it was my wheel bearings, but I just jacked it up and couldn't budge my wheels in either direction.
Any other thoughts?
It's hard to tell exactly which side it comes from, but I stick my head out the window on the freeway trying to pinpoint it lol.
Oh, it also stops with the slightest application of the brakes, so I'm thinking it's in there, but I've taken the pads out twice since it started.

Pull the speedo outta the trans and try it. See if the noise goes away.

[ShiRen]

I find it strange he actually has touchy brakes... Ive jacked with my brakes a lot and I still can't get it to stop hard enough to lock a wheel. Caliper slides?

[Dr_Snooz]

It's the little metal tabs on the pads. They start rubbing on the rotors when the pad material gets thin enough. It only goes away when you step on the brakes.

[profquad]

no, the pads are new. and the sound stops with application of the brakes.

[Dr_Snooz]

Check your install. The hardware can get mangled and rub the rotor.

[profquad]

ok, one other detail. It really only kicks in at higher gears, going about 45-50+
Could be a belt? I have stiff steering so maybe the power steering slips at higher speeds, trying to keep the wheels straight? It changes pitch slightly when turning.

Still grimly believe it’s the wheel bearings, but it really doesn’t budge at all.

Took apart the brakes multiple times, see nothing wrong with them.

[Sandwich]

I had a front wheel chirp at higher speeds which adjusted pitch and frequency when turning the wheel, only occurred some of the time. My front left was found to wiggle a little, I changed both front bearings when doing a front end suspension refresh (ball joints, CAs, bushings etc.) and I hear it no more.

Changing pitch during turning is a classic symptom of wheel bearing afaik. They're not that expensive, just a hassle needing a press, (although theres a post on how to remove and install them without).

I'd recommend changing the bearings, and recommend doing as part of a front end refresh if the front suspension hasnt been cared for recently, this could be a symptom of old suspension. Breaking ball joints is a horrible thing to see, and can create bigger issues like punctured oil pans. Replacing bushings stopped creaking sounds from my suspension and the whole front end also feels tighter. Of course use silicone grease wherever warranted in the shop manual and this and future problems should be swept aside.

If you dont think its wheel bearings then I'd say go through everything that moves; use a hose pipe to your ear and see if you can locate the sound when the car is in the air and wheels are spinning. Can't promise it will show anything.

Good luck.

[Dr_Snooz]

I watched a YouTube vid of some guy showing how to beat in your wheel bearings. He did it just like me, only he used motor oil to lube it instead of assembly lube like I do. He beat the hell out of that bearing. I'm sure it was howling as soon as he got it back together lol. Use assembly lube, not motor oil smh.