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Front suspension squeak over bumps, what is it?

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Old 12-20-2003 | 04:42 PM
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Front suspension squeak over bumps, what is it?

When I go over a bump/dip in the road I get a loud "squeak-squeak".

It doesn't happen all the time, rather only when I get a fair amount of front suspension travel- like going slow over a speed bump where you can make the front end dip quite a bit more than if you fly over one and just thump over it.

It sounds like the squeak-squeak of the spring compressing and going back.
Hope I'm being clear enough.

I want to say its the bumpstops or ?
I'm going to take it to the dealer but I wanted to know what you guys thought.

Thanks.
Old 12-20-2003 | 05:18 PM
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well i dont think this is your problem but commonly its the lower strut bushing.
Old 12-20-2003 | 06:50 PM
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I seem to have a similar problem, but its not so much a squeak....its more of a deep creaking noise.....like "eeerk eeeek"....(im no good with onomatopeia). Seems to only come from my front right wheel.
Old 12-20-2003 | 06:53 PM
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Re: Front suspension squeak over bumps, what is it?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by FirstToy
[B]When I go over a bump/dip in the road I get a loud "squeak-squeak".

This is listed on the NHTSA website for 2003 4runners.

Make : TOYOTA Model : 4 RUNNER Year : 2003
Service Bulletin Num : SU00503 Date of Bulletin: AUG 28, 2003
Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT
Summary:
SQUEAK NOISE FROM THE LOWER FRONT AREA OF THE VEHICLE OVER SHARP IMPACT TYPE BUMPS. *TT

Should be a fix under waranty..Good luck with the dealer..
Old 12-20-2003 | 06:55 PM
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Yeah, that sounds about right.
I am guessing it's the bumpstops or spring mount?
I made an appointment to check it out.

edit:
thanks SIl,
I'll print that out and take it with me.

Last edited by FirstToy; 12-20-2003 at 06:56 PM.
Old 12-21-2003 | 02:46 PM
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i was having the same problem, if you take white lithum grease and put it all over your bump stops and other front suspension componets it should stop some of the noise.
Old 12-21-2003 | 03:00 PM
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i agree, grease the bump stops. i was having the same problem, if i either came into a driveway to fast or had my wheels turned to the left. got out and noticed that one of my bump stops was missing causing the sound from the driveway, and i also found that i was missing a little plastic cap on one of my steering bumpstops, not sure exactly what they're called.
Old 12-22-2003 | 07:56 AM
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Seems the prevailing opinion relates to the bump stops. However, I had the very same problem (loud, front squeaking over speed bumps and driveway entrances) and it pretty much went away when I removed the stock suspension and installed the Sway-A-Way coilovers.

It disappeared entirely when I removed the Addco sway bar and replaced the bushings with greasable ones and new endlinks.

I don't squeak no mo.

However, mine's a '99. I'd be a squeaky wheel at the dealership if I had me a purty '03 like yours!
Old 12-22-2003 | 08:55 AM
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Front stabilizer bars will squeak as well. Give the inner rubbers a shot of some lubricant like tephlon spray and see if that cures it. If it does its best to remove the inner rubbers and grease em up.
Old 12-22-2003 | 11:57 PM
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Lightbulb

Could it be the lower A-arm bushings?
Old 12-24-2003 | 09:56 AM
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by FirstToy
[B]Yeah, that sounds about right.
I am guessing it's the bumpstops or spring mount?
I made an appointment to check it out.

How did you make out with getting the squeak fixed???
Old 12-24-2003 | 01:01 PM
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havent had time to go to the dealer yet.
I printed out the TSB so I'll go after Christmas
Old 01-13-2012 | 02:45 AM
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Any updates? I'm getting a front end squeak / creak noise. It started on small bumps. Now the noise shows up with even just a slight turn of the wheel.

I tried to spray silicone lube on all the bushings and etc . It seemed to maybe just slightly help, I thought it was the rack bushings cause after spraying them the noise decreased. But it won't go away.

If anyone has any suggestions please share.
Old 01-13-2012 | 08:29 AM
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Originally Posted by yotaman1985
Any updates? I'm getting a front end squeak / creak noise. It started on small bumps. Now the noise shows up with even just a slight turn of the wheel.

I tried to spray silicone lube on all the bushings and etc . It seemed to maybe just slightly help, I thought it was the rack bushings cause after spraying them the noise decreased. But it won't go away.

If anyone has any suggestions please share.
In my situation, the squeaking came back and it turned out that a Sway-A-Way Coil was broken. All efforts to get a replacement coil were fruitless (Sway-A-Way said that they no longer made that style) and I ended up buying another pair (used) on eBay. Swapped them out and the squeak went away.

I no longer own the 'Runner, but still see Lurch around ... sold him to a neighborhood kid. Although I love my FJ Cruiser, I do miss Ol' Lurch ...
Old 01-13-2012 | 08:32 AM
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I'd say it was a poly. bushing... but you seem to have figured it out
Old 01-13-2012 | 02:23 PM
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I had a squeek that i thought was the suspension too. Then after a couple years i finally figured it out....... it was the hood latch squeeking on the metal loop that keeps the hood down!?!?!?
What a releif that was!!
Old 01-14-2012 | 03:11 PM
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UPDATE: my issue turned out to be a dry joint, went to advance auto today and purchased a grease gun needle. Shot some grease into my lower ball joints, outter tire rods and upper ball joints.

noise is 100% gone.

Such a good feeling !


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