Lately i've been hearing some squeaks up front. One time it got so loud i could hear it over the radio while going around the mall parking lot and speed bumps. Even my 2 y.o. commented about a mouse in the car.

But, the problem comes and goes. Case in point, driving in the morning i hear nothing. And that same afternoon, it would come up on some stretches of road. It's more easily reproducible when braking or accelerating briskly (those few moments before coming to a stop, or right when you start moving).

I lifted the car up yesterday and pushed the wheels up/down with a jack. I hear a very faint squeak somewhere but can't pinpoint it... sway bushings? failed dampers?

Any ideas?

Thank you.

 

Is it a metal to metal type of sound?
if so it's not the sways.

If not metal to metal sound, likely the sways.
It's often hard to simulate because the suspension needs to be compressed quite a bit.
Just rocking a fender up & down doesn't always do it.

Sways are easy to get at with the plastic pan off.
It's probably worth it to lube them & see if it fixes it. (should be lubed periodically anyway)

 

It doesn't sound metallic, like a clang you mean?

If anything, it's closer to what you can hear around the 12 second mark here:

For the most part, it's not as loud or fast, but it was similar to it during that time in the parking lot going over the speed bumps.

There was a slight squeak when i jacked the wheels up with the car on stands.

I'll lube the sway this weekend, any tip on which grease i should use?

Thanks, Ian. Much appreciated.

 

I use else nothing but Amsoil Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease, Extreme Pressure, NLGI #2 (GLC)
It's available in an 8oz tube.

It works great in sway bar applications.

 

Thanks! Do i remove the old grease off the bushings, or can this be applied directly? I haven't seen the sways on our cars in person, but i'm guessing it doesn't have zerks.

 

no grease zerks.
I take the clamp off one at a time (keeps the bar in place)
remove the bush, clean & relube.