Squeal when turning right

[h2ofreeze]

Here's an odd one -
When starting from engine off (warmed or cold, doesn't matter), I hear a squeal, constant pitch, from the passenger side in the engine area when turning right. Only when moving, both forward and reverse. After a few miles it goes away. I discovered that it is NOT engine-related, as it still makes the noise when turning with the engine off and moving (I have a MT). No noise if sitting still and turning the steering wheel. Had the right side wheel bearing replaced about 60K ago, I currently have 110K. Transmission replaced about 40K ago. Doesn't seem to be speed-related, though I turn the steering wheel further at lower speeds. No noise when going straight. Thoughts?

 

[skurtov]

Axle. Maybe. We don't have hydraulic steering so there's no pump to fail that would make a noise. Look at your axle boots.

 

[h2ofreeze]

Not the axle, though I did have a cracked CV joint boot. Replaced, no change to noise.
Dealer says it is a bearing going bad on the cooling fan. If it is unplugged and blocked from rotating the noise stops. So, is it a big deal to swap out the fan assembly? Looks like maybe 4 bolts and the electrical connector, and move the coolant reservoir to slide the assembly out. Thoughts?

 

[Tormach]

Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual: Engine Coolant Fan Shroud Replacement (LUV) - Radiator Fan - Engine Cooling - Engine - Powertrain

Looks like (3) bolts and the elec connector based on the diagram, pics and looking at mine. Looks easy enough to do without draining the system like csmans states, just relocate the surge like you plan.

 

[Pirate Luke]

I slid my fan out to clean it when I had the bumper off and was switching coolant hoses etc. What you said is more or less correct (it's been a while since I did it). Pretty straight forward, like most things on this car fortunately.

Good luck, let us know if you have any further questions. The people here are quite knowledgeable about this car.

 

[h2ofreeze]

Well, I swapped out the fan shroud assembly this weekend. Took about an hour. I had to move the coolant tank out of the way, and took some of the bottom air shroud off to get to the lower bolt, and I did end up taking the top radiator hose off, but it wasn't as bad as I initially thought it would be. Once the radiator hose was out of the way (didn't want to have to remove it, but it couldn't be done otherwise), it went very quickly.
I hooked up the old fan to the battery, and turned it on its side, and could visibly see the wobble. The new fan assembly works great, and no more noise. Saved about $1000 from the dealer's quote (~$1200) by doing it myself. No special tools needed.