Your suspension components are designed to provide comfort, stability, and traction while you are driving. But when they become worn or damaged, squeaks and cause unwanted vibrations begin to appear.
That squeaky sound typically means that one of your suspension components needs repair or replacement. Fortunately, there are some simple solutions available to assist in getting rid of the annoying noises and clunks. The experts at 4 Wheel Parts have put together a guide to help you determine the causes and some of the best solutions to stop it.
Why is My Suspension Squeaking?
Generally, suspension components tend to fail when they become worn or damaged due to age or use. If your vehicle has been on rough roads for an extended period of time, like many of us do, its suspension components may be starting to wear out and squeak.
The fun starts the moment you try to pinpoint the issues. We’ve all been there. We walk the vehicle, push down each corner and try to isolate the issue. Some problems are identified easier than others, while others may need a certified mechanic to diagnose.
In older vehicles, grease nipples were used to lubricate bushings and other suspension components. If this is the case, a grease gun and some time is needed to get everything sounding right again.
As time passed and technology advanced, auto manufacturers started using rubber bushings and other components requiring no maintenance. Yet, even after decades of engineering, suspension components often experience wear and tear and will eventually need to be replaced.
Oftentimes, the struts and springs are the reason why your vehicle makes that nasty, squealing sound when going over bumps and potholes. It happens for one of 2 reasons. Either your shocks are worn out, or the rubber spring cups have deteriorated.
Start by using a quality lubricant spray to try and quiet the noise. If it still squeaks, you may need to replace the suspension components altogether or just certain parts, like the bushes and springs.
It’s easy to tell if you have worn struts. They will likely sound louder when driving over bumps and at higher speeds. Their creaking sound when driving around corners can also identify worn strut mounts.
Understanding Each Component of Your Suspension Set
Suspensions have gotten more and more complex over the years. Gone are the times when a simple set of leaf springs and shock would get you back up and running.
Modern suspension systems have various components, including struts, shock absorbers, stabilizer bars, control arms, and stiffer bushings. Luxury vehicles come with air and electronically-controlled strut assemblies.
Each component plays an important role in providing comfort and stability when driving on bumpy roads or around tight corners. But when one or more of these suspension parts become worn or damaged, it can lead to annoying squeaking and poor handling.
Let’s go over the main suspension components to understand their function and how they function.
Struts
Struts are found in the front and rear of modern cars, but most noise issues usually arise from the front-end struts. They make up a large part of the suspension system and absorb shocks when driving on bumpy roads or over potholes.
Shock Absorbers
Shock absorbers are also known as dampers. They work with the struts to absorb impact from bumps and potholes, making for a smoother ride. Over time, this component can weaken due to wear and tear, eventually causing the vehicle to feel bouncy or squeaky.
Stabilizer Bars
Stabilizer or anti-roll bars help keep the car from rolling or swaying as it moves around corners. They also reduce body roll and increase cornering stability. When these components become worn out, they cause clunking noises when driving around sharp curves due to the rubber bushing being worn out.
Control Arms
Control arms are responsible for controlling the up-and-down motion of the wheels when driving over bumps and potholes. Over time, rubber bushings can become worn out and squeak as pressure is put on them from the road.
Other Factors to Consider
Other factors can contribute to a vehicle’s squeaking besides worn-out suspension components. For instance, the shocks could be loose from a previous repair job or a suspension bracket or support may be rusted and need to be replaced. In addition, worn-out brake pads can cause squeaks when pressing down on the brakes as they rub against the rotors.
Best Solutions for Getting Your Suspension to Stop Squeaking
There is no one answer to resolve squeaking from your suspension components. It depends on the noise’s cause, so getting a professional diagnosis before attempting any repairs is best.
Sometimes, using a good quality lubricant spray to coat the rubber bushings and metal components is enough to quiet the sound. If you have a vehicle equipped with grease nipples, go around and top off all the zerks with quality grease.
You may need to replace the entire suspension set or certain parts like the bushings and springs for more serious problems. For newer vehicles, consider replacing the whole strut assembly as a complete unit since they are pre-assembled from the factory.
It’s important to remember that squeaky shocks, struts, and other suspension parts can lead to poor handling and reduced stability when driving. So, if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to get your vehicle looked at sooner than later.
Whether you want a smoother ride or just want to get rid of a certain noise, 4 Wheel Parts has all the parts and accessories you need for your suspension service needs. From shocks and struts to complete kits, our customer service team is here to help you find the best solution for stopping those annoying squeaks.
4 Wheel Parts offers free shipping on select orders and ensures you get the best prices on all our products. Plus, we have knowledgeable staff who can answer your questions or provide advice to help you find the right parts. Shop now and get your vehicle running like new again.
2