Squeaky bushing driving me mad...

[Nelsonmd]

Ever since I did my front end overhaul, I have had an incredibly loud squeak coming from my front end. I figured it was the UCA bushing since I replaced the UCA, but after taking it apart and greasing last night, I found it is actually the LCA bushings, which is odd because I didn't touch them during my overhaul.

Anyway, I am looking for some suggestions. I have soaked the bushings in WD-40, and that seems to have made it even louder. Any ideas other than taking it apart and greasing the crap out of it? I'd rather not take it apart as I don't want to mess up my alignment, but if that's my only choice, I guess I will just take pics of the adjusters and hope it goes back to where it was.

Any thoughts on actually replacing the bushings while I have it disassembled if it comes to that? those that have done it, is it a big improvement? I don't think my bushings are too worn out or anything, but they do have 140k on them.

 

[JohnsD90]

I would just replace the bushings if it is causing a problem, you will notice a nice tighter feeling in the front end from new bushings. I hate changing the bushings, I would much rather put a new control arm on, but they are not cheap for this vehicle.

 

[jirehn]

Did you also replace the LCA bushings?

 

[1985taylor1925]

How do the bushings look? You dont have a ton of miles on your truck, but if there's a ton of rust maybe those bushings have been degraded. Cause if you have a bad squeek doesnt that suggest metal on metal somewhere? Perhaps the combination of salt and stress over time has worn the bushings out in a spot you cant really see. Like john said, maybe replacing them would be the best thing . . .

Also, there are many different products out there as you already know. My brother gave me a greasing compound that they use at the oil refinery he works at. Its pricey but it works wonders. I can give you the name when I find the can.

 

[Nelsonmd]

I would just replace the bushings if it is causing a problem, you will notice a nice tighter feeling in the front end from new bushings. I hate changing the bushings, I would much rather put a new control arm on, but they are not cheap for this vehicle.

Ugh, yeah, I an just not excited to pull her apart AGAIN. Especially when I am in the middle of a bunch of work on my motorcycle. I will at least have to wait to get it back up and running and wait for a window of good weather.

Did you also replace the LCA bushings?

No, I didn't touch the LCA's. Didn't even loosen the pivot axle nut.

How do the bushings look? You dont have a ton of miles on your truck, but if there's a ton of rust maybe those bushings have been degraded. Cause if you have a bad squeek doesnt that suggest metal on metal somewhere? Perhaps the combination of salt and stress over time has worn the bushings out in a spot you cant really see. Like john said, maybe replacing them would be the best thing . . .

Also, there are many different products out there as you already know. My brother gave me a greasing compound that they use at the oil refinery he works at. Its pricey but it works wonders. I can give you the name when I find the can.

The rubber looks ok I think, kind of hard to see the LCA bushings. There is definitely metal on metal, that is how they are designed. The metal of the bushing inner "race" clamps against the frame mount. I figured I could get some WD-40 to soak down there

If I do anything disassembly, it will probably be to replace the bushings. I like the thought of tighter feel like JohnsD90 said, I just don't look forward to tackling the rust that is there, and having to reset the camber adjuster, and having to burn the old bearing out...

 

[hugo2go]

Having the same issue bro. I feel your pain......

Except mine are the rear UCA, took them out and put some white liteum grease (sp?) and also some wheel bearing grease for good measure and still the same sh*t.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Yeah, I slathered the front driver UCA with moly grease, figuring the moly will help prevent squeak once the grease washes out. At least the rears are easy to drop out and put back, and no alignment issues.

 

[1985taylor1925]

Ugh, yeah, I an just not excited to pull her apart AGAIN. Especially when I am in the middle of a bunch of work on my motorcycle. I will at least have to wait to get it back up and running and wait for a window of good weather.



No, I didn't touch the LCA's. Didn't even loosen the pivot axle nut.



The rubber looks ok I think, kind of hard to see the LCA bushings. There is definitely metal on metal, that is how they are designed. The metal of the bushing inner "race" clamps against the frame mount. I figured I could get some WD-40 to soak down there

If I do anything disassembly, it will probably be to replace the bushings. I like the thought of tighter feel like JohnsD90 said, I just don't look forward to tackling the rust that is there, and having to reset the camber adjuster, and having to burn the old bearing out...

Ya. I'd like to change mine as well to see if they would tighten my front end a bit. But I cringe at the thought of how much of a pain it might become. :nono: I really dont have the tools for that job.