Creaking front end

[tduncan907]

Hey guys I'm new to the dsm world but I've got some questions and want to learn all I can so I can build my 95 Gsx right. Since I've bought it it's had a creaking noise in the front drivers wheel well. I can't decide if it's a spring or the control arm or the ball joint. I'm gonna get it up on a jack tonight and see if it is the ball joint but if not how can I tell if it's the suspension or tie rod ends or control arm? It's freaking me out to drive it around cause a separated ball joint = very bad day. Any input would be really helpful!

 

[spyderinak]

One thing might be is the control arm lower ball joints ? There was a recall on the the 2G's for that. Definetly one thing should check its possible was never done. Used 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse Recalls - 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse Recall Reports - Motor Trend Magazine Also this might be helpful someone in there talks about how check front end parts. http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/newbie-forum/431749-strut-ball-joint-control-arm.html Hope somethat helps. I'm sure once get it in air and check a few things you'll figure it out pretty quickly.

 

[tduncan907]

So I just lifted the front end and tried to wiggle the tire and it had no play up and down or side to side so I pulled the wheel off and everything looked fine which leads me to believe its the struts come to find out I have a pair of kbr gr-2 they look older but i bet it's those. Any thing I am missing or should check other then the ball joint and control arms?

 

[johnovision27]

Start by looking at all the boots on all the control arms. If they're cracked, they're most likely dry (esp if their original)
To check the shocks, just up and down on the front end. Bounce it if you will and listen.
Also, welcome

 

[tduncan907]

Thanks! I looked at them and I didnt see anything that looked suspicious on the boots so I'm pretty sure it's the suspension but when I went to compress the struts there wasn't any noise so that kinda worried me. When the car goes over bumps that are more gradual that make the car kinda float instead of a really harsh bump that cause the car to vibrate , it doesn't make any noise but on the more harsh bumps like a big pot hole or sunken man hole cover, that's when I hear the noise. I still think its the struts but I could be wrong.