Struts Question

[LaneKJ]

I got new struts on my KJ back last July before a trip to the beach. This has been happening all winter, but when its below 55 or so degrees out; My struts do a creaking/stressed sound when I go over bumps or dips. Its almost like they need to be oiled, but they're brand new.

And when its above about 60, no sounds from the front end at all.

Anyone have this issue or similar?

 

[Ry' N Jen]

Here, fixed it for you.

I got new SHOCKS on my KJ back last July before a trip to the beach. This has been happening all winter, but when its below 55 or so degrees out; My struts do a creaking/stressed sound when I go over bumps or dips. Its almost like they need to be oiled, but they're brand new.

And when its above about 60, no sounds from the front end at all.

Anyone have this issue or similar?

 

[sevenhelmet]

I bet you $20 it's your sway bar, not your shocks. You can take the bar off and grease the bushings, but it will just come back in a month or two. Replacing the bushings is the best fix.

 

[tommudd]

Yes sway bar bushings
But do not grease them, lots of types of grease will actually break down the rubber
Silicone spray works great
Mine has 169,000 lifted miles on it and no noise, every 8-12 months I may have to spray them buts that it.

 

[Paul M]

Thanks for asking the question...mine does the same after a night out in the cold - thought it was shocks creaking thus needing replacement. Most modern bushings will take a lubricant without degrading, so thanks to Tommudd for the easier "spray" app versus teardown and greasing.

 

[dude1116]

I use silicone grease every once in a while, but the squeaking comes right back after about a month. I'm probably going to replace them during the summer.

 

[Ry' N Jen]

I just upgraded to polyurethane swaybar bushings and they don't squeak. Yet!

 

[Paul M]

They won't squeak, and are better for the application over rubber. Did yours add steering feel? (Is that dime you ran over heads or tails? hehe)

 

[tjkj2002]

They won't squeak, and are better for the application over rubber. Did yours add steering feel? (Is that dime you ran over heads or tails? hehe)

Poly bushings tend to squeak very badly and require lubrication.

8 years with the OEM bushings on my KJ(till the SFA) and not once did they ever make a noise and not once did I ever lube them.I washed them weekly with hot water and soap,the best method for rubber swaybar mount bushings.

 

[Ry' N Jen]

They won't squeak, and are better for the application over rubber. Did yours add steering feel? (Is that dime you ran over heads or tails? hehe)

Hard to say, maybe added a little feel.
I need to install the polyurethane swaybar end link bushings I have laying around. (Physical ability permitting.)
I'm toying with the idea of making some quick disconnect swaybar end links.

 

[dude1116]

I just upgraded to polyurethane swaybar bushings and they don't squeak. Yet!

You have a link to which ones you bought?