Creaking Noise From Suspension

[99ExploratorySUV]

So, whenever I travel over speed humps in my neighborhood, or go on whoops off-roading, or any relatively uneven surface, I hear creaky squeaky sounds from the suspension (think a creaking door hinge here). It's only during those times of flex that I hear it. But the reason I am wondering about this is because I just put all new shocks on it barely a year ago. Monroe Sensa-Tracs. Cars got 143,000 miles. 1999 XLT SOHC. Not lifted or anything, just shackles in the back to even it out. It has stock 235s on 15s. I havent done balljoints in the front yet, not too sure if I need to quite yet. Either way, is this normal based on age of the car, or are the shocks wearing down? It handles relatively well, just like it normally should. Lemme know what you think guys/gals.

-Kyle

 

[anti*commander]

i think it could be a dry grommet or somthing, i cant remeber exactly what it was called, but basically something is dry and therefore makes that sound. basically you need a lube job.

 

[Blazepet7]

try to get on the ground and have someone rock the truck to locate where it is coming from could be a couple of reasons...if its the shocks when you put your hand on it you should feel the friction also check the sway bar im going to change the bushings tomorrow actually there is a slight noise coming from there where the bar meets the frrame ...my 3 cents...good luck

 

[gt40]

Sway bar bushings, or more probably ball joints.

 

[99ExploratorySUV]

When my sway bar end links broke about 7 months ago i already replaced those babies with new bushings that came in the kit. I'll check the shocks like you said. The balljoints have never been replaced and im sure theyve had better days, i'll have to look into that too. If I were to get a lube job for the front what parts specifically would need to be lubricated, and who would do it? I wasn't aware that certain things needed to be periodically oiled or lubed in the front suspension.

 

[ranzy]

Upper and lower ball joints and outer tie rod ends need to be lubed when you do an oil change. The problem is that OEM joints aren't greasable.

A problem with greasable joints are that people over do it and break the seal on the boot. I was taught a long time ago (early 80's) to pump grease into the joint until the grease just starts to come out of the edge of the boot then stop. That was wrong. If grease starts to come out of the boot then you have broken the seal and it is the beginning of the end for that joint. That grease will just pump out under normal usage and now you have no or little grease on the joint.

 

[Mikeri]

Had same problem. Squirt silicone in the sway bar bushings.