What Causes the Squeaking Noise When Pressing the Front Shock Absorber?
2 Answers
Front shock absorber squeaking when pressed can be caused by the following reasons: Shock absorber malfunction: This is due to the shock absorber colliding with the leaf spring, frame, or axle, damaged or detached rubber pads, deformation of the shock absorber dust cover, or insufficient fluid. Shock absorber top mount cracking: This indicates that the noise is caused by the front lower control arm bushings or a cracked shock absorber top mount, leading to the squeaking sound from the front shock absorber. Function of the shock absorber: In the vehicle suspension system, the shock absorber always works in conjunction with the spring. When one corner of the vehicle body is pressed down, it is actually the spring that compresses, while the corresponding control arm swings. When the body is released, the spring force causes the body to rebound, and the shock absorber dampens this rebound, helping the vehicle to stabilize after the rebound.
My car's front suspension has been making annoying creaking noises whenever it compresses recently. I asked a mechanic friend about it, and he said it's quite common - usually caused by hardened rubber bushings in the shock absorbers that squeak under pressure. Driving in rainy conditions or dusty areas can also lead to noise from accumulated dirt. If left untreated, the noise may worsen, potentially causing instability during turns or when going over bumps, affecting both driving comfort and safety. I immediately had him inspect and replace the bushings - now the noise is gone and I can drive with peace of mind. My advice: don't ignore this small issue. Get regular maintenance or have it checked at the first sign of noise. Minor problems can become major ones if neglected, especially before long trips - always address them promptly.
