Creaky Front End

[Minimike]

Just noticed last night that the left front suspension creaks when it is in motion both directions. I plan on getting the stethoscope out this week and have a listen. I know some possibilities are:

-strut (probably it)
-dry ball joint
-rubber busing

I have had vehicles that had horrible squeaks and it ended up being dry ball joints or it might be time to upgrade those worn out shocks and springs with something a little more liftish :smokin:

 

[tommudd]

Not knowing how many miles you have could be many things
also what lift setup,
first would be the sway bar bushings spray them with silicone spray
second could be weak front SHOCKS and springs
third bad ball joints
top three to check

 

[Jake.Ski]

what is silicone spray for the bushings?

 

[Ry' N Jen]

what is silicone spray for the bushings?

3M scotchgard, stuff you spray on fabric and furniture to make water/stain repellent.
You can also get it from other manufactures.
Anyway, silicon spray also lubricates and works wonders at getting rid of squeaks and other such noises.

 

[Jake.Ski]

ill have to see if i can find that over here in germany! I looked at my bushings on my a arms and i saw that it was starting to get some weathering cracks :[

 

[Cardhu]

http://www.jigaloo.com/ca/e_products_jigaloo.php

If your brand biased. Other silicone sprays are similar.

Good to make sure their clean first.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

I use Liquid Wrench silicone spray. Works fine, been using it for over a year now...

 

[Minimike]

102,000km so far. I actually have a new set of sway bar to frame bushings, just waiting for some nice weather to put them in. I will put them in tomorrow and report back.

 

[SoonerJeep]

I'll be watching for results. Mine developed a loud creak in the right front last winter. But only when it's cold. It didn't do it all summer and I was hoping it went away. Alas, it's back now that it's in the 30s most mornings.

 

[tommudd]

Lost count of how many KJs I have sprayed silicone spray on the sway bar bushings every fall and it stops the squeak. No need to replace them just spray every oil change and no issues
Its very cheap and easy

 

[Ry' N Jen]

Yeah, our sway bar bushings sweak like a well used hourly rented motel room mattres!
They're also getting worn a little too much for my liking so I just ordered some new polyurethane swaybar bushings from All J Products last night.
That should take care of it.

 

[Minimike]

Well, just installed the new bushings and presto! no more squeaks. I was kinda hoping for bad struts, wife was supportive of replacing with better ones and new springs (ome). Will have to wait until spring I guess. I know I could have sprayed em but 8 bucks every 100,000km isn't bad for bushings.

 

[Ry' N Jen]

Too bad you live on the other side of the country Mike.
I'm going to replace the front coils with CRD OME coil springs...

 

[Minimike]

yeah I know. Also other news someone wrecked their KJ in the reserve today, They put there 03 on its side. Will probably be a write off from what I hear. We had some good snow fall today.

 

[dude1116]

Lost count of how many KJs I have sprayed silicone spray on the sway bar bushings every fall and it stops the squeak. No need to replace them just spray every oil change and no issues
Its very cheap and easy

Any procedure I should do? Should I do that when they're extended? Does it matter? Should I clean em up first? I'm gonna do this now...

 

[dude1116]

Sorry for the double post...but does not spraying them for about 2 years end up causing damage?

 

[Minimike]

no, silicon spray does not damage rubber at all. the bushing hold the bar tight to the chassis. The bar tends to twist or spin ever so slightly on the bushings. New bushings grip and twist with it. Old bushings that are worn don't grip so well and the bar spins/twists in the bushing causing a creak or squeak. This slip does not in anyway affect the sway bars performance. The silicon spray simply stops the noise. I replaced them because they were cheaper then silicon spray lol. Only $8. for OEM ones.