Mystery squeak! Can't lock down source.

[DSM_Kommando]

Ok, so about 2-3 days ago my car starts this wierd squeaking (sounds like an old rusty car door opening).
As far as I can tell it's only coming from the driver side front wheel area.
It squeaks when I turn the wheel (car moving or not), squeaks going over bumps and turning, and when parked just pushing on the car it squeaks.

It handles and turns fine...so far. I'm thinking it could be a bad strut? My strut tower on that side is rusty and I know that will need to be addressed sooner than later, but it's just surface rust right now.

I did notice the lower control arm looks like it's been recovered from the murky depths of the Atlantic ocean and is pretty damn rusty....

Any suggestions on a good way to lock down the source of the squeak?


EDIT: I'll be taking it in for manifold/exhaust install Saturday, so whatever it is I'll get it fixed then... I'd just like to know what the F it is.

 

[TALONTRAX]

Lower ball joint. It is possible to isolate the moving parts of the suspension by removing the wheel, & disconnecting the tie rod from the spindle, noting if the noise is present with or without the tie rod connected while moving the suspension up/down, & side/side. Most likely it`s the lower ball joint on the forward most lower arm . . .

 

[And_44]

Can use a mechanic stethiscope. You said it makes the sound when not moving. Put stethiscope to the different parts of suspension on the problem area and bounce car up and down.

 

[pullerfan]

i had that problem also. it was the lower ball joint. and if i remember right i was able to get mine replaced for free (they were recalled, still might be) check it out.

 

[DSM_Kommando]

Just got off the phone with my uncle at the shop. It's the ball joint/lower control arm. Left side has about 1" of play, and the right side has about 1/2", so I'm just havin them both replaced for the cost of the parts (which apparently are not as cheap as I'd thought, ).
I gotta have this thing in as good running order as possible before I mobilize and turn the keys over to my son.
Had manifold, and catback exhaust installed today as well.
I plan on getting a tune up on it and it should be GTG.

 

[DSM_Kommando]

It was the ball joints, had them replaced. Header and catback are now on and now all I need to do is install sideskirts and paint.