Squeaky/Creaky Front Suspension

[Joe2402]

Hi everyone,

When driving over speed bumps at slow speed the front suspension makes a loud squeaking, almost creaking noise. The sound is similar to opening the creaky door of your garden shed! It doesn't affect the handling/function of the car but is very annoying/embarrassing.

Hoping it may solve the problem, I have replaced both front struts - they were 100% worn out so time and money not wasted, however this has made no difference to the creaking noise. Both springs and lower/upper rubber insulators were in good condition with no corrosion/deterioration so these can all be ruled out as the cause of the creaking.

The video below shows you the noise when driving over speed bumps at slow speed. (**You will need to turn up your volume to hear it the creaking noise - it's actually much louder in reality, the sound hasn't come out very well on the video.**)

Any ideas what could be causing this?

I have inspected the sway bar bushings, although not disassembled them yet. They seem in good condition and look like they have been replaced in the last couple of years. Would it pay to take these apart and stick some rubber grease on them? Or are they supposed to work dry?

Any other suggestions?!

The car is a Toyota Corolla 1999, Conquest, 1.8l Petrol, AE112, 189,000kms on the clock (118,000 miles).

Thanks for your help!! Joe

 

[Muhammad Ali Khan]

Have your checked your control arm bushing? I guess your bushing is worn out.

 

[ulissesbarraza]

Hi Guys, i had this problem with my 2016 S Plus. It kind built up from a slight creak to a groan. Happens at the same time as you guys. Speed bumbs, slow turns, etc. Anyways I researched it and I found this youtube link. I am going to try greasing the lower control arm bushings. I’ll let you guys know how it goes afterwards. Watch this video:

 

[ulissesbarraza]

Hello all, i tested the method from the above video and it worked for me. You only need to jack the front of the car up. Please use jack towers for safety.
Its really awkward getting the grease into the cavern where the bushing is but you can definitely feel where it is at. It is awkward because it lies between too plates housing it. I used the exact grease mentioned in the video, CRC Industries synthetic brake & Caliber Grease. I found it at Oreillys.
Use gloves and use two fingers to grab a sizable amount of the grease and do your best to shove it in there to and spread it across the bushing surface. Does this with around 3-4 times per bushing. There were some speed bumps that made my car groan/creek and now its either gone or inaudible at best.