What are the causes of squeaking in the front suspension of a car?
2 Answers
The causes of squeaking in the front suspension of a car are as follows: 1. Leakage or bending of the shock absorber itself, which can be resolved by direct replacement; 2. Aging or abnormal wear of the shock absorber pressure bearing, which can be resolved by direct replacement or lubrication; 3. Deformation of the shock absorber spring, which can be resolved by direct replacement; 4. Noise from the wheel bearing, which can be resolved by direct replacement. To check for shock absorber faults, first observe the following conditions: 1. Check if the shock absorber is leaking oil. In the absence of rain or car washing, directly inspect the shock absorber housing or dust cover, which can be easily and visually identified. 2. Listen for sounds. During low-speed driving, when the wheels pass over bumps or experience slight vibrations, a dull thud can be heard. The abnormal sound from the shock absorber is distinct from other chassis noises, being very muffled. If it's the front shock absorber, there will also be noticeable vibration felt on the steering wheel. 3. Press down on the upper part of the suspension for each wheel, such as pressing on the front and rear fenders. A faulty shock absorber will feel unusually hard when pressed, which is a symptom of shock absorber leakage in its later stages.
When the front suspension squeaks, I have found several common causes while troubleshooting for car owners. The piston seal inside the shock absorber wears out or ages, causing restricted fluid flow or leakage, which produces squeaking sounds. If the linkage bearings are damaged or dry due to lack of lubrication, increased friction during bumps can also cause noise. When the spring seat or rubber bushings age and crack, they generate friction sounds under impact, especially noticeable on rough roads. Additionally, loose mounting bolts or unstable bracket installations may lead to vibration-induced noises. If these issues are not addressed promptly, they can compromise the stability of the entire suspension system and even affect steering safety. It is recommended to visit a professional repair shop as soon as possible for inspection, and do not neglect regular lubrication maintenance, which can extend component lifespan.
