ERA FIA Front End Squeak

[tkb289]

My FIA has recently started to develop a significant front end squeak / chirp. The car has about 3,500 miles on it and they have been squeak free until now.

Any recommendations as where to look first? Has anyone else had this problem? When I get a chance I'll take a look and see what's loose, thought I would check with you guys first.

Thanks.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by tkb289

My FIA has recently started to develop a significant front end squeak / chirp. The car has about 3,500 miles on it and they have been squeak free until now.

Any recommendations as where to look first? Has anyone else had this problem? When I get a chance I'll take a look and see what's loose, thought I would check with you guys first.

Thanks.

Lube the front end as you would any other car.

Also check your control arm bushings, I've had them go bad and crack with less mileage than your car has.


Bill S.

[RICK LAKE]

tkb289 All bushings need lube. Start with stablizer bar frame bushing first and grease them, Do all the ball joints upper and lower and retest car. If noise is gone have a nice day. If noise is still there need to do A arm bushings. Look at the bushing and make sure they are in good condition. If they look worn, replace them. I am not running rubber ones, I went to solid plastic for racing. I did add grease fittings to all bushings and grease channel to lube them after each event. Alot has to do with the grease you use too. I stay with Lucas high temp red grease. Not cheap but works good on both wheel bearings and bushings IMO still running the same setup from 98. I think after you do the stablizer bar frame bushings you will be OK. Aftermarket makes them from hard plastic to solid alumium. This is not hard job to do yourself. Have a problem, email me and I will walk you through the repair. Rick L. Ps at this time check the mounts for the coil overshocks. The mounts may need to be regreased. 2 bolts easy in and out with car on a floor jack and JUST taking the load of the front suspension.

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

Lube the front end as you would any other car.

Also check your control arm bushings, I've had them go bad and crack with less mileage than your car has.


Bill S.

Bill,

Good advice and I'll look at the control arm bushings. Thanks.

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by RICK LAKE

tkb289 All bushings need lube. Start with stablizer bar frame bushing first and grease them, Do all the ball joints upper and lower and retest car. If noise is gone have a nice day. If noise is still there need to do A arm bushings. Look at the bushing and make sure they are in good condition. If they look worn, replace them. I am not running rubber ones, I went to solid plastic for racing. I did add grease fittings to all bushings and grease channel to lube them after each event. Alot has to do with the grease you use too. I stay with Lucas high temp red grease. Not cheap but works good on both wheel bearings and bushings IMO still running the same setup from 98. I think after you do the stablizer bar frame bushings you will be OK. Aftermarket makes them from hard plastic to solid alumium. This is not hard job to do yourself. Have a problem, email me and I will walk you through the repair. Rick L. Ps at this time check the mounts for the coil overshocks. The mounts may need to be regreased. 2 bolts easy in and out with car on a floor jack and JUST taking the load of the front suspension.

Rick,

Thanks for the detailed information. I'll start with the stabilizer bushings and ball joints. I looked up the Lucas grease, is it the Red 'N' Tacky #2 ?

It might be a little while until I have some free time to work on the car, but I'll let you guys know how it goes.

[CHANMADD]

I'm with the lower control arm bushings.....mine is doing the same....

[strictlypersonl]

Also check the lower shock mount Rose Joint. I've seen them dry out and squeak. Pack around the joint with silicone grease.

[RodKnock]

Tim, I'd check for mice. They tend to squeak.

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by strictlypersonl

Also check the lower shock mount Rose Joint. I've seen them dry out and squeak. Pack around the joint with silicone grease.

Thanks Bob ... will check that as well.

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Tim, I'd check for mice. They tend to squeak.

Will do ... and if it turns out to be a chirp, then I will look for a bird ...

[strictlypersonl]

And if you hear a growl, it could be a bear. Be very afraid.

[Bartruff1]

Mine was a ball joint...

[ack fia]

Look at the top of the front coil overs. This is an old problem that appears regularly.