Constant front end squeal

Drummermonkey

New member
Hey all. I've noticed a squeak coming from the front left of my rig. It first showed up maybe a few weeks ago intermittently, gradually getting worse until now it's constant. It is not so loud that you can't drown it out, but can be noticeable with Windows up. Strangely enough it went away for a couple of days after I jacked up and swapped my camping wheels for my commuting wheels. Suspension?
As of now the thing is pretty well stock. I've got a pile of bilstien and ome boxes waiting to go on the truck, as well as upper and lower ball joints. Anything else I might need to fix the issue?
Thanks for your insight.
 
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Squeak over bumps? while turning steering wheel? rolling? Balljoints (which includes the outer tie rod) will develop a squeak once the grease is gone, sway bar bushings and links, a worn lower strut bushing, but by the sounds of things that's all getting replaced. I've heard C.V axle boots squeak while driving in the right conditions, nothing a little silicone spray won't take care of.
 
I've only got ball joints and hardware for them. I've also got struts and the hardware for those. Ive not found info on tie rods failing, is this something I need to jump on asap? Is there a huge difference in brands for tie rods?
 
in addition to what [MENTION=148927]Toyotayoda[/MENTION] said get under pull and push to mimic the squeak. push the front end up and down do the same with the back and try and narrow down the spot. my rear upper control arm was broken and the truck would make a squeaking noise over bumps. Also eliminate that it's not a brake squeal or wheel bearings. I get under my Truck once in a while and push the truck like bench pressing and check all components and nuts and bolts and if loose torque them to spec.
 
when I replaced my ball joints I noticed my inner tie rods were shot cause they wouldn't hold up after being diconnected from the lbi meaning they have no resistance.
here is a link
https://youtu.be/kg_Kr8Azbrs
also [MENTION=44220]BigFishAllDay[/MENTION] link
youtu.be/vx1wCREjbik
if you need to replace them best oem price is amayama.com

edit https://youtu.be/vx1wCREjbik
 
Last edited:
More info:
I have not been able to replicate the sound by rocking my car. The sound is constant when the car is moving, but sometimes it takes a minute or two to show up. It stops immediately when the car stops, then resumes once I get moving again.
It is most definitely coming from the driver side, and I'm 90% it's coming from the front wheel well area. I've been keeping a pretty close eye on play in the front end until I can get to doing ball joints, and it has been completely Rock solid. No wiggle. This could rule out bearings?
When I started noticing the sound I greased up the driveshaft, made no difference.
Pretty positive it isn't brakes. The sound occasionally goes away on braking, but not always. Had rotors and calipers done about 20k miles ago. They've got terrible wobble, but that's nothing new. TBU coming as soon as I can afford it.
If it makes a difference I've got the Firestone airlift in the back to improve handling, which restored some stance, maybe affecting front shock/spring performance?

When I first noticed the sound it was intermittent, and may have been tied to rough roads. Not like big bumps, but on I25 near Fort Collins where it gets really rough north of town.

If I need to do tie rods is there a brand I should avoid or stick to? Moog is probably out of the question, but Napa? Even if it isn't tie rods making the sound, would you recommend doing them anyway? I'm pretty strapped for cash, but I'm doing my best to avoid letting the truck go to shit.

Thanks guys
 
More info:

Thanks guys

lb'sj need to be changed every 100k or so just to be safe. I used proforged inner tie rods when i was in a pinch for like six months and they were pretty solid, they are like $36 on amazon and the only reason I replaced them with oem is due to the advice on this forum plus worry factor cause I have two little ones I don't like throwing parts and money at an issue either I would jack the wheels and rotate them and see if there is a wiggle or some thing you can notice or feel..The purpose is to find the cause and thus the remedy. i agree I 25 near ft Collins is a pretty bad..
 
I would still pull the drivers front wheel and look at the brake pads and the dust shield.

I've had the dust shield touch the back of my rotor and sound just like your sound. They rust, get dirt or small rocks behind them.


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I would also check the dust shield, I've had little rocks get stuck in there and make some noise. I'm also the in greeley/windsor area if you need any help with the install of anything give me a holler! I've already replaced everything you mentioned earlier and could lend a hand if need be!
 
I'll definitely check that dust shield this weekend. I've got a buddy who will be taking my rig into his tech program and doing all the suspension components I buy. As much as id love to take a week and do it all myself, I can't justify the added headache, and I won't complain at free labor. With that being said, if it isn't the dust shield making noise, it should probably be something I'm already working on replacing, right?
I've got shocks and springs for all 4 corners, and rubber washers which I believe go to all 4. I've also got upper and lower ball joints on both sides, and bolts for those. I should probably order inner and outer tie rod ends? Any other bits or pieces?
Thanks for the input on topics unrelated to the thread.
 
Hey brotha did you ever figure out what caused that squeaking sound?

Did you ever figure out what it was brotha? The squeaking sound for me is coming off the front right side and I’m trying to get an idea of what I need to look for. I had done the lower ball joints like 5k miles ago

More info:
I have not been able to replicate the sound by rocking my car. The sound is constant when the car is moving, but sometimes it takes a minute or two to show up. It stops immediately when the car stops, then resumes once I get moving again.
It is most definitely coming from the driver side, and I'm 90% it's coming from the front wheel well area. I've been keeping a pretty close eye on play in the front end until I can get to doing ball joints, and it has been completely Rock solid. No wiggle. This could rule out bearings?
When I started noticing the sound I greased up the driveshaft, made no difference.
Pretty positive it isn't brakes. The sound occasionally goes away on braking, but not always. Had rotors and calipers done about 20k miles ago. They've got terrible wobble, but that's nothing new. TBU coming as soon as I can afford it.
If it makes a difference I've got the Firestone airlift in the back to improve handling, which restored some stance, maybe affecting front shock/spring performance?

When I first noticed the sound it was intermittent, and may have been tied to rough roads. Not like big bumps, but on I25 near Fort Collins where it gets really rough north of town.

If I need to do tie rods is there a brand I should avoid or stick to? Moog is probably out of the question, but Napa? Even if it isn't tie rods making the sound, would you recommend doing them anyway? I'm pretty strapped for cash, but I'm doing my best to avoid letting the truck go to shit.

Thanks guys
 
Did you ever figure out what it was brotha? The squeaking sound for me is coming off the front right side and I’m trying to get an idea of what I need to look for. I had done the lower ball joints like 5k miles ago
Step 1 is always to check the dust shields, as was stated already by other responses. Next is a better description of your exact sound...

-Charlie
 
Poly urethane bushings squeak. I had replaced most of mine with poly and have been replacing them with rubber. Got tired of greasing them. The stabilizer links were the biggest culprits.
 

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