FredR

A while ago I posted that I have some issues with the front suspension some of which I have attended to. I have replaced the lower ball joints and I also replaced the top ball joint boots and regreased the joints but the top passenger side joint is a bit suspect in that I felt a little axial play [no side t side movement].

When I go over speed bumps I hear an annoying squeak. Is this the kind of thing that could be caused by the upper ball joint condition or is it more likely to emanate from the bushes on either the upper or [more likely?] the lower suspension arm? When I had the upper arm disconnected the arm could move but it felt tight as one might expect.

Regards

Fred R

GregBBRD

Fred:

Don't forget the front sway bar as a possibility. Those drop links are famous for clunks and squeaks when they are not tight. The rubber bushings will also get noisy when dry.

Captain_Slow

+1 on the sway bar. In my case it was the rubber bushings being dry. Most annoying going over speed bumps.

FredR

Greg,

I have the Devek bar fitted and as part of my recent r/r took it out completely for inspection as that was my prime suspect initially. I refitted it using copious amounts of copper grease on the rubber bushings and I cleaned/greased the rose joints.

Edit: I disconnected the drop links just to prove whether the bar is the source of the squeak- did not make any difference over the speed bump just outside my house.


Rgds

Fred

FredR

Just like to refloat this thread if it was missed earlier and someone has any bright ideas.

My perception of the squeak is that it is getting more noticeable. Given I feel I have eliminated the roll bar and lower ball joints from the possibilities and I rather feel the upper ball joints should not squeal they were re-greased, to my thinking this only leaves the upper and lower arm rubber bushes and the Koni suspension units on the suspect list. just about to move into a newly purchased home and piggy bank low on $$$'s at the moment so only want to what is proven to be absolutely necessary.

Good to hear from anyone who had such a squeal and resolved it.

Rgds

Fred

stuartbrs

Ive had this. I tightened the lower ball joint bolts and it briefly went away and then came back. Now that we are moving into the colder months it has gone away again. Its on the front left of the car... I am taking the car off the road over winter to attend to a few things and one of those jobs will be replacing the ball joint.

I did get the following response from asking about this on landshark once.

"Tighten the lower ball joints securing nuts , that double up as the camber / caster adjusting point , you only need a 19mm 1/2' drive socket & an extension bar ( these often get a little loose causing that sort of noise)

Tighten the lower control arms to the frame pivot points ( 2 X bolts at the front of each lower control arm & 2 X each at the rear of the same control arm & again 19mm socket needed

In that same area , have a good look at the large vulcanised lower arm bushes , the front left is often attacked by the weeping power steer fluid weeping from the pump & gravity feed hose & oil cooler return hose above & this makes these bushes fall to bits ( they dissolve ) / get gooey & cause noises under load
Tighten the sway bar securing bolts "

FredR

Stuart,

Thanks for the input-Lower ball joints are new and fully torqued.

I am suspecting the lower A arm and the bit about the front most bush and power steering fluid is very pertinent as i have lost a small amount of fluid year on year- planning a r/r session for the power steering towards year end when the cooler weather returns. Good news is I should be in my new home with air conditioned nice size garage shortly!

Rgds

Fred

stuartbrs

No worries Fred. I think you need to buy the whole lower arm either refurbished or new.

Oh, and air conditioned garages are awesome. Just moved into a house with one myself recently

Cheers

FredR

I sure hope so- ever done the inlet manifold in 44C heat and quite high RH?

Fred

Taguid

I have just put Hypercoils and Konis on and now I notice the squeaking coming from the front suspension when I go over small bumps. I am not sure if it is the problem or just exaggerated something else.

GlenL

Does it sound like rubber, metal or plastic?

I'll suggest that you've changed the ride height or tightened something that's now squeaking. The new shocks/springs should be silent. Lots of moving parts and a process of elimination will lead to the culprit. You can try jacking and releasing each side. Drop it quick. But, I find the car needs to be loaded normally to make the sound.

Other mods to the suspension?

Taguid

I wish it was easy to describe. I'll try recording and posting over the weekend. The other mod is the steel A-arms and yes it has to be normally loaded to make the sounds. Thanks

GlenL

Are these aftermarket upper A-arms?

Taguid

Yes, 928motorsports steel A-arms.

FredR

Interesting- I have Koni's up front. Never thought it might be coming from them but never eliminate anything from the list until you know for sure what it is.

I have a feeling my squeak is the lower A arm rubber bushing about to throw in the towel or feeling very tired at least. someone suggested the front driver side in particular if you have had any power steering fluid sloshing about in the neighbour hood which I do - not much- nothing more than a mist I would say as the level never seems to deplete.

Do let us know if/when you know for sure what it is

Rgds

Fred