Squeaky Front End????

[thaywood]

Okay, I just got finished installing new front brake rotors/pads, new driver side upper control arm, and new front air spring/shock units. I'm pretty sure I got everything tightened and installed properly. Then I took it to the local shop to get the front end alligned and they told me I have a bad passenger side outer tie rod end. I've got to go get one. The tie rod end moves and makes a noise when you juggle it. However, that doesn't explain the incredibly annoying squeak/rattle/knocking noise I have been getting lately. The source has eluded me. It sounds like it may be the bad tie rod end because when I'm driving, it makes the noise until I turn the wheel and then it stops until I straighten up. But when the car is idling, I can turn the wheel left and right and it has no effect on the rattle. It sounds like a metal to metal knock and it is constant and does not go away. I have gotten under the car while it was idling and can't find anything loose. And it sounds like the knock is coming from everywhere under the front of the car. I can't pin it down. When the engine is off and sitting, I can push on the tire with my foot and hear the squeak. This is frustrating as hell and getting on my nerves. I even took it back to the shop and they came out scratching their heads too. Anybody had a similar problem??? Help!!!

 

[rayner601]

I'd be willing to bet sway bar links.

 

[Chadly]

^^ Or could be strut rod bushings.

 

[rayner601]

^^ Or could be strut rod bushings.

I forgot those...why, I don't know. I wish there was a way I could find to "reengineer" the front end under these cars...

 

[Hemihed426]

Okay, I just got finished installing new front brake rotors/pads, new driver side upper control arm, and new front air spring/shock units. I'm pretty sure I got everything tightened and installed properly. Then I took it to the local shop to get the front end alligned and they told me I have a bad passenger side outer tie rod end. I've got to go get one. The tie rod end moves and makes a noise when you juggle it. However, that doesn't explain the incredibly annoying squeak/rattle/knocking noise I have been getting lately. The source has eluded me. It sounds like it may be the bad tie rod end because when I'm driving, it makes the noise until I turn the wheel and then it stops until I straighten up. But when the car is idling, I can turn the wheel left and right and it has no effect on the rattle. It sounds like a metal to metal knock and it is constant and does not go away. I have gotten under the car while it was idling and can't find anything loose. And it sounds like the knock is coming from everywhere under the front of the car. I can't pin it down. When the engine is off and sitting, I can push on the tire with my foot and hear the squeak. This is frustrating as hell and getting on my nerves. I even took it back to the shop and they came out scratching their heads too. Anybody had a similar problem??? Help!!!

After looking for a brake pull for 2 mths, my car was making a squeaking noise too, turned out to be the ball joint in my LCA on the passenger side. The lca was only about 1 yr old too. Not chinese but a TRW part. Changed the LCA's and cured the brake pull and the squeak.

 

[thaywood]

Thanks. I appreciate the help. I'm going to get back under it this weekend. I've ordered a new passenger side outer tie rod. Mine is really worn out. You can grab it and literally move it around. But I don't think that's the squeak. It may be one of the things you mentioned. I just don't know. It's irritating the frak out of me. I love this car. I've had it for almost 8 years. But every time I fix one problem, 3 more crop up. But I love this car. So I will keep throwing money, time, blood, and sweat at it until I get evereything right!!