Finally fixing front end squeaks

[justinae]

I've had front end squeaks for years going over my driveway hump. Finally gonna fix it. Not sure what I actually need though. Here's the front end suspension and I don't see any glaring problem. Do you? What else to check?

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Those upper shock bushings have some dry rot cracks.

You didn’t picture the radius arm bushings or the sway bar to frame bushings.

You can spray down bushings with WD40. If you’re patient you can do it one item at a time to see when the squeak stops. That’s your culprit. I’ve taken to greasing bushings and stuff when I install them both to quiet things down and also to help keep rust gremlins at bay here in the rusty steel buckle of the rust belt.

Leaf springs like to squeak too, especially when the pads at the ends of the leaves are worn out.

 

[justinae]

excellent! Thanks @lil_Blue_Ford. I'll get more pics of the other bushings.

I assume WD-40 is a very short term solution when testing one thing at a time.

 

[Jazzer]

You would be correct, sir. White lithium grease would last longer.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

excellent! Thanks @lil_Blue_Ford. I'll get more pics of the other bushings.

I assume WD-40 is a very short term solution when testing one thing at a time.

Yes, WD40 is a short term solution. Depending on a lot of things it can work for a few days to a few months. I buy WD40 by the gallon. There’s better penetrating oils, but it works for a lot of other things like protecting raw metal from rust while you’re working on it (I don’t have a garage and until last year didn’t even have a workshop of any type, just working caveman style sitting on the ground or working off a tailgate.) Some penetrating oil’s are not really good for rubber but WD40 is safe for just about everything.

You would be correct, sir. White lithium grease would last longer.

Yes, but the best way to get lithium (or any grease) in where it will do the most good is to take it apart and grease it. I’ve tried the spray greases and I’m just not really impressed with them for the most part. Taking stuff apart to grease it works way better.