Stock Suspension Issue

[TeeWX98GST]

Well, let me start off by saying that to the best of my knowledge my suspension is completely stock, apart from a front strut bar. I am using the stock GS-T Rims and regular sized tires. However, I noticed recently that my car squeaks REALLY bad when I'm driving it now, almost every bump sounds like a pig squealing and when I turn the wheel its super squeaky. However, My power steering does NOT leak, and my fluid level is right on the MAX mark. I really don't get why my suspension is sooo loud, but it very annoying. The only thing I can remember is I had the hood popped out at an auto shop while it was raining because a guy had to look at how my stock exhaust and intercooler piping went together. After that day in the rain its been very squeaky

Anyone know whats going on? Thanks for the help guys

 

[wret]

Sounds like ball joints; the ones in the front lower (lateral) control arms. Check for recall replacement eligibility, otherwise they are about $30 each from on-line OEM parts vendors.

 

[No_Skillz]

Does it squeak when the car is turning, when you're turning the wheel, going over a bump, accelerating, or braking?

 

[TeeWX98GST]

It squeaks when I turn the wheel, and when I go over just about any bump or hill

EDIT : It also does it when braking, not sure about acceleration, my exhaust drowns or stereo drowns it out usually.

 

[No_Skillz]

Sounds like wret was on the money. I'd say lower control arm ball joints also. Keep in mind that there is a safety recall on this, and you can get this replaced for free at any dealership. Most will try to not do it or charge you if they can, so if you have any dealership that you are on good terms with, go to them. If not, just don't get shafted and end up paying for it. You can buy the joints yourself like wret said and press them in yourself, but I don't have much experience on that. Also, you can just buy the whole new control arm, which will come with a balljoint on it which will make it an easy bolt on affair, but that's rather expensive and senseless since you will be able to get a free one from the recall.

 

[neeland]

Im glad this came up because i was about to ask something very similar. I dont want to post a new thread if it could be taken care of right here. I have a 98 gs and its doing almost the exact same thing. Small creak under take off....HORRIBLE squeek when turning..climbed under it and had a buddy turn the wheel and it really sounded like the right side of the rack and pinion set up. Does this sound like the same ball joint issue and if so how do i find out if I can bring it to the dealership under recall...any help in this would be awesome ### its horribly annoying to drive at this point....sorry if im jumping in this thread with a different problem but it seemed to be very similiar and didnt wanna creat a new one for no reason...thanks for any help in advance

Tyler

 

[Polyol]

Lower ball joints. Mine had the same squeak. Recall replacement squeak gone.

 

[neeland]

Thanks I just joined here yesterday and i have already found this site EXTREMELY informative. I called the local dealership today and mine are under recall. It goes in tuesday to get fixed. This has been a great day. I took ### i thought might be a reasonably priced pain in the ass and its now getting fixed for free. Thanks for the help. TeeWX98GST hope yours is just as easy good luck

 

[neeland]

update: went to the stealership this morning and they changed out the entire lower lateral control arm under recall. Thanks for the great advice sounds and feels 100X better