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Squeaky front end (Fixed!)

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Old 07-30-2007, 04:27 PM
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Default Squeaky front end (Fixed!)

I've had this annoying squeak on my front right that only ever seemed to happen when I had the wheels turning slightly to the right and hitting small, uneven spots or bumps. I assumed it was the ball joint or rod (the boot on it is mangled), so I greased them up, but the squeak is still there.

Now there is more, I got an alignment a couple of days ago, and now both sides squeak when you hit uneven spots/bumps no matter which way the wheels are turned...

Can anybody pipe in some ideas of things to try?! It'* driving me absolutely bonkers! :?
Old 07-30-2007, 04:58 PM
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Squeaks like that may be

Strut mounts
Sway bar bushings have adhered to the sway bar
Some other oddity that I can't think of...lol
Old 07-30-2007, 05:22 PM
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a hood latch will exhibit this behavior also, most likely strut mounts though
Old 07-31-2007, 01:33 AM
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Update... I had posted something about a "popping" noise (more like when something has tension against it, and it'* released, hard to explain in text) when I would reverse out of driveway/parking spot and then as soon as I would accelerate forward...

Well, I got a suggestion that didn't quite strike me at first when Boosty mentioned possible play in the brake pads if you don't use anything to hold them to the caliper...

This evening I began to discover that when the brakes are being applied, there is no squeak! I'm going to find some time and check the brake pads over the next few days and see if that fixes the issue, but strut mounts also seem to be a possibility on both accounts, and I still do not know how to check that...
Old 07-31-2007, 01:35 AM
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Also, hood latch is secure, but that would've been a fix way too easy for my luck anyway...
Old 07-31-2007, 11:46 AM
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Default Squeaky Front End

You might want to look at your front lower control arm rear bushings. I have gone through looking for that pesky squeak and after cleaning the area around the bushing I found the rubber was showing signs of deterioration. I removed the control arm and found the bushing to be worn. I did remove both arms and found the left to be worn more than the right? The front bushing which is located on the frame was fine on both sides.
Old 07-31-2007, 11:52 AM
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Thanks Doc, I was wondering about the control arm as well. I'll take a look.
Old 07-31-2007, 12:05 PM
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Default Squeaky Front End

I did forget to address the pop you hear. I found when I took my struts apart this weekend that my strut bearing on the drivers side was NG, I mean when I removed the upper mount all the ball bearings feel out. That might explain my occassional popping?
Old 07-31-2007, 02:33 PM
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I have the same exact problem, but I haven't found out what it is yet and it'* annoying when you're driving with no music playing. On my 93 bonnie I had, I had that problem with the right rear wheel and turns out that my backing plate was the cause and I bent it back in shape. I know that doesn't help this situation.

I put my money on the brake pads. When my front wheel start squeaking I sprayed some brake cleaner up in there and it stop for a while, not a whole day though. It seems to only squeak when the rotors and brake parts gets hot too.
Old 07-31-2007, 07:43 PM
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Well this is constant, but I did want to pipe in that a friend of mine who is driving a grand prix has had almost the exact same sound, along with the occasional clunk that will occur. Turns out the bushings on his control arm were shot. I'm going to try to take a deep thorough look under the body this week and I'll let you all know what I find. Thanks for all the help btw.


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