Squeeeeeeeeeeeky front end

[toddious]

I think it just started in the past few days but my front end is Sqeeeking like crazy over bumps, and when turning. I have TT up front, but it seems more like a suspension problem. speed bumps are a prime example of when i here this sound. basically anytime the front end bounces.

any ideas?

 

[BuffaloXplorer]

I'd bet that you're dealing with bad control arm bushings...

 

[toddious]

bad control arm bushing ehh....

would that have been caused by the TT?

how much damage are we talking? and how fast do i need to act? i never heard it till a few days ago. is this a pricey repair(for a non-mechanically inclined person)?

 

[jimcom]

When you open the door and get out do you hear a sqeak as the truck settles?
If you stand beside the front tire and bounce the truck up and down by pushing on the hood/quarterpanel area, does it squeak?
If so, it sounds like you've got the same thing I do.

 

[toddious]

not when i get out of the car, i don't think, but definately if i push up and down on the front end and make it shake. todd.

 

[BuffaloXplorer]

2-cents from "not a mechanic" but know what you're taking about:

Can you get it to squeak by pushing down (bouncing) the fender? If so, have someone do it while you listen (preferably with a mechanics stethoscope so you can pinpoint the true culprit). Also, pop the hood and look down at the upper/lower control arm bushings themselves. See if there's obvious damage or wear. (I believe...) Bad bushings can allow too much play with the Control Arms and possibly screw up the alignment.

I'm guessing that you're lifted with the TT, as opposed to Lowered (think you can TT to lower too...or is TFlip only for lowering?) and i'm not sure how that affects these bushings, as i'm neither UP nor DOWN...(down soon, though, as i hope to Ttwist it down 1 1/2" or so...)

I wouldn't run to the bank to get money to get this done if you can live with the squeak for a while. Eventually (over time - how long? i dunno...), they'll wear down enough to cause a "clunk" and definitely screw up the alignment. (I believe...) The bushings need to be pressed in place and i, being marginally mechanically inclined, would still go somwhere to have it done (which is y i still have leafspring bushings - SQUEEEEAAAK on acceleration as the weight shifts front to back - that need replacing ...no $$$$).

I would assume the majority of the cost for these repairs is labor, as they would need to take everything (tire/brakes/rotors) apart to get to the CArm to then take more time to R&R the bushing(s) and then more time to put it all back together. I'd figure in the cost of an alignment and possibly a camber kit before they put it all together, which may be necessary - replaces the upper control arm bolts & will allow for better/more accurate alignment - for $23 or so it's stupid to not do it and then find out you need it for the alignment after the fact.

Good luck..

 

[toddious]

is this the kind of problem that could happen overnight? because thats basically the way it happened. it didn't squeak at all a week ago, and now all of a sudden it's squeeking just from weight shifting. anyone know if this is linked to TT? or if i lower the TT a little, will it help any? thanks, todd.

 

[BuffaloXplorer]

squeaks gotta start somewhere...

 

[TPLYNCH]

Mine squeaked/groaned over speed bumps when weather got cold. My mechanic lubed the sway bar bushings. No more noise...

 

[toddious]

man, it would be nice if it's just something easy like that.

 

[BuffaloXplorer]

Mine squeaked/groaned over speed bumps when weather got cold. My mechanic lubed the sway bar bushings. No more noise...

:fire: Are you kidding me? After all the time & thought required for post #6, it had better not be as easy as lubing some damn bushings :fire:

My brain still hurts ...

 

[toddious]

:fire: Are you kidding me? After all the time & thought required for post #6, it had better not be as easy as lubing some damn bushings

despite your anger, i still hope he's right. just the thought of having to fix some control arm bushings makes me angry (more angry than typing an unnecessary post).

 

[BuffaloXplorer]

( the was indicating sarcasm) - Sorry 'bout that...

 

[toddious]

no, i knew you were kidding, i was as well.... just forgot the smiley

 

[boominXplorer]

get some regular household oil. Squirt it on all bushings you see.

 

[davidmmm69]

mine squeaks baddd when cold out which is always since moving to mass..
I spray lube on my ball joints and it makes it go away for a week or 2 at a time..
will replace all ball joints soon,

 

[toddious]

i don't even know what control arm bushings or ball joints look like...... i know, i'm an idiot.....

anyone wanna help me out with perhaps a picture?

 

[IAmTodd]

mine squeaks baddd when cold out which is always since moving to mass..
I spray lube on my ball joints and it makes it go away for a week or 2 at a time..
will replace all ball joints soon,

I thought ball joints were sealed?

I would suspect them to be the sway arm bushings. Don't forget the two that attach to the frame. If indeed they are, upgrade them to the Energy Suspension ones. Only about $30 and include new endlinks.

 

[davidmmm69]

I thought ball joints were sealed?

I would suspect them to be the sway arm bushings. Don't forget the two that attach to the frame. If indeed they are, upgrade them to the Energy Suspension ones. Only about $30 and include new endlinks.

not when the ball joints are totally wasted and the rubber boots have since fallen apart due to old age and lack of grease,

 

[centralMa4wd]

the sound that your reffering to could be bad sway bar bushings it just happened to me becuase of the cold weather.. couldnt take anymore so I bought new bushings and it went away.. or the other thing it could be is lack of greas in your ball joints.. just put 3 pumps or so in the fitting on the upper control arm...I hope I helped and actully the tt did not make it start... just bad timing mine sqeaked before and after my tt. goodluck and safe wheeling