Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Suspension Struts squeaking

The struts sound like they are squeaking when the tires roll over curbs (residential ones) and go over bumps and such. Does this mean anything? Ride quality, handling, and such are still normal.

BTW, are gas struts normally supposed to make a *whooshing/pffffsssttt* noise when the piston moves? I'm just surprised how the noise is so noticeable some times (mostly when going over those damn speed bumps)...

Does the squeak come more from the rear? If so check your end link bushings.

Yes, from the rear I believe. Where are the end link bushings?

BTW, the noise is actually more of a creak than a squeak (if that helps at all).

Definitely the end link bushings.

They are inbetween the sway bar end link and the front lower control arm. Here is a picture of a stock shot one.



And here is the after shot after some modified universal poly end link bushings were modified by me and installed.

Ok, that's where I thought, just clarifying the terminology. Weird, because I just replaced the washer under the passenger side lower bushing with a larger one (since it slid through the bushing and was causing a clunk).

So what exactly is causing the creak? Do the bushings need to be greased or replaced? The ones now look kind of squished.

Creak, mine did that and creak best described mine, but mine was the caused by rust between the swap-bar and the rubber bushing. The dealer finally figued it out and went to all the trouble of disassembly applying dielectric grease to the inside of the bushing. Hasn't happened since.
However since I've found "PB Blaster" (it does not destroy rubber it actually helps it and serveral other idea properties)applied to sway-bar/bushing edge Magic!
Where has this stuff been, it's greatest thing since sliced bread for automotive chasis. So many products before would eventually break down the rubber parts.
It does wonders for rust prevention/restoration on the seams of uni-bodies. It doesn't evporate and it creaps into spot weld areas slowing the corrosion process. Something all cars buffs who live in winter salt areas need.
According to many restoration buffs, oil on the chasis was always better than rust proofing. It's all about slowing the corrosion process. After seeing a piece of steel stored inside a vacuum rust, it finally sank in.
Also learned that the spot welds rusted/broke down faster than the metal around it.
OOPs got cared away, but I hate rust and this Blaster stuff is my hero. maintenance buffs rejoice!
Back to the creak, blaster won't fix worn out problems but help in troubleshooting under the chasis and slowing down the wear. Moisture is the killer/promoter of corrsion, got to see first hand when my son bought his 6 year old pickup back to Ohio from New Mexico. Once we washed off the dust and mud it looked like show room material underneath. Of course one week later we could see rust appearing on edges and unpainted parts!
Paul
98 Mystique LS (07/97)