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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: Spool on April 17, 2016, 08:16:09 pm

Title: Squeaky Front End. Bushings, Arm, Shock?
Post by: Spool on April 17, 2016, 08:16:09 pm

My front right tire has been squeaking lately.
I took it slow down an alley to film the noise in action with the video here : https://youtu.be/YylZEGn_EnA

Would anyone happen to recognize this sound as to what is specifically causing it squeak?
It generally happens on bumpy rides (which there is plenty of in Los Angeles).

Title: Re: Squeaky Front End. Bushings, Arm, Shock?
Post by: bd on April 17, 2016, 09:13:42 pm

Sounds like control arm inner bushings ...that or a giant mouse.  lol   When was the last time you lubed the suspension? 

Title: Re: Squeaky Front End. Bushings, Arm, Shock?
Post by: Spool on April 17, 2016, 09:53:02 pm

I've had the truck for about a year and a half now. So the last time the suspension was lubed it was before then.
I'd be my first time lubing the suspension and will have to look it up online.

Would I be able to replace just the bushings or do you think I'd have to replace the whole arm?

Title: Re: Squeaky Front End. Bushings, Arm, Shock?
Post by: bd on April 17, 2016, 10:45:56 pm

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=5220.0

Are grease fittings on the inner bushing caps?

Title: Re: Squeaky Front End. Bushings, Arm, Shock?
Post by: Spool on April 17, 2016, 11:24:25 pm

Apologies. I'm new the forum.

I'm not familiar with this part of the truck yet. I'll have to take a closer look this week to determine if I have grease fittings on the inner bushing caps.

Are you guessing this may be the issue though? Having poor grease fittings or none at all?

Title: Re: Squeaky Front End. Bushings, Arm, Shock?
Post by: bd on April 18, 2016, 12:58:35 am

There are two styles of inner bushing.  One style is greaseable, the other is not.  The 3/4-ton chassis can go either way, but typically is greaseable.  If you can silence the squeak with thorough lubrication, you may squeeze more life out of them, assuming they aren't already worn out.  On a 43 year old truck with original bushings, that is wishful.

Title: Re: Squeaky Front End. Bushings, Arm, Shock?
Post by: Spool on April 23, 2016, 01:41:06 am

Yea... Tried a grease gun on all six grease fittings at the local jiffy lube but still a squeak.

What about the option of swapping out the shock before the control arm?
After filming my video I noticed I hear the squeak when I see the shock in motion but are they one in the same?

Just trying to figure out the best way to go about doing this for now as I really can't afford the whole job of springs, shocks, control arm and bushings.

Title: Re: Squeaky Front End. Bushings, Arm, Shock?
Post by: bd on April 23, 2016, 11:06:06 am

If you think the noise is coming from the shocks, temporarily remove them and go for a test run.

Post a pic of the end caps on the upper and lower inner shafts.