5 replies to this topic

[zero_wlv]

Hi everyone,   I'm just in the process of trying to track down the source of a squeak on my right-hand side front suspension.

It's begun to occur quite regularly when going over potholes or bumps,  and especially road expansion joints of the type that are common on motorways.

The squeak CAN'T be replicated by pushing down on the car  (maybe I've got weak during lockdown  ).

 

I'm aware that this is often related to a worn nylon cup on the upper arm,  but these were only replaced 10 months ago (250 miles ago) when I replaced the cones and knuckle joints.   I smeared them with a bit of LM2 grease at the time. 

Is it possible that the cup could have failed this quickly?     The car has been sitting still for about 8 months due to other problems so maybe that smear of grease has hardened and dried out?

 

It's also just come to my attention that the shock absorber is very non-concentric  (the photo makes my meaning clearer).      The shock on the 'non-squeaky' side looks perfectly straight.    The car is parked on the level.

Is this normal or could the two sleeves of the shock be rubbing on each other causing the squeak?

 

I realise I could answer my own question immediately by just swapping the shocks round and going for a drive but I'm away from home for a few days and have no access to tools!      I guess I'm just a bit impatient to figure out what it is and to maybe order new shocks now if I need to,  then I'll have them in time for next weekend!     The shocks looked rusty and dirty when I got the car and that was 4 years and 12,000 miles ago,   so they're probably pretty ancient.

 

By the way I've just greased all the nipples,  it made no difference.

 

Thanks in advance,

Liam

 

 

Attached Files

•  shock absorber RH side.jpg   60.65K   2 downloads

[sonikk4]

It does sound like its shock absorber related if you have replaced and lubricated everything else. The shock mounting rubbers, are they in good condition???

[Ethel]

I wouldn't pay too much attention that's only a dirt shield, but it does look a tad crusty so maybe some's flaked off on the inside. You could swap 'em side to side if you can discern the squeak to the same accuracy.

 

Bottom arm rubbers or subframe mountings? A dab of soap or Vaseline could help diagnosis if it's the sussy bushes.

[sparkymae]

I had a squeak on the right side of my 90 Mini  for the longest time and finally found out it was my right tear drop mount had come apart. Replaced both sides squeak was gone. Just a thought.

[zero_wlv]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

 

I feel a bit silly now because it turned out to be really simple, I finally got access to a jack and set of spanners and swapped the front shocks from right to left and vice versa and the squeak has gone.     Which is a relief as I didn't fancy having to mess about with compressing springs and everything again just to replace nylon cups that are only 10 months old.

 

The shocks looked ancient when I got the car 4 years ago,  so although they seem to behave ok on the road I've ordered a new pair to fit this weekend, for peace of mind.

 

Thanks,

Liam

[zero_wlv]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

 

I feel a bit silly now because it turned out to be really simple, I finally got access to a jack and set of spanners and swapped the front shocks from right to left and vice versa and the squeak has gone.     Which is a relief as I didn't fancy having to mess about with compressing springs and everything again just to replace nylon cups that are only 10 months old.

 

The shocks looked ancient when I got the car 4 years ago,  so although they seem to behave ok on the road I've ordered a new pair to fit this weekend, for peace of mind.

 

Thanks,

Liam