Front strut is creaking.
The front strut is creaking every time I hit a bump or turn sharply. I am not sure if it is a strut mount or something else.
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It can be a challenge when it comes to pin pointing noises in the suspension system to identify what part is making which noise. It does not help that there are several components that can produce the same or very similar noises as each other. Since all of the suspension components move or “flex” when your Ford goes over bumps, it really takes a trained ear to narrow down the possibilities of problems you can hear. You are correct to lean towards the strut mounts maybe needing attention. With your car, due to its age, it is likely that the strut mounts are in need replacement if they have not yet been done. With a repair this specialized, I highly recommend having a certified mechanic inspect your vehicle to make sure that it is indeed the struts and not another issue going on.
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Your car`s front struts have something called a “jounce bushing” on top of it. They too need regular lubrication as well as regular replacement. When the jounce bushing becomes dry, it will cause creaking and groaning sounds to occur when turning the steering wheel.
Bad strut sounds are usually described as a hollow clunking or banging type of sound. You`ll typically hear the noise when the vehicle is traveling over irregularities in the road. Most front strut assemblies also have a bearing at the top.
As the shocks or struts wear, they can fail to do their job. This can cause many different sounds, including knocking and banging.
The most common reason as to why your suspension is squeaking is due to a lack of lubrication. Your suspension is made up of two metal and one rubber pieces, so without proper lubrication you won`t have a quiet ride.
Sometimes creaks in suspension and steering systems are down to a lack of lubrication between metal components such as tie rod ends and shock units. A properly lubricated system will also prevent significant build-up of dirt.
As they age, they sometimes can develop annoying squeaks even though there may be nothing fundamentally wrong with the bushing. The squeak you describe is likely to be coming from the upper strut mount bushing, which anchors the strut and allows the strut to rotate as you turn the wheels.
Can I drive with a damaged strut? No. It needs to be repaired as soon as possible. A strut works by absorbing the bounce of your car driving over bumps in the road.
Creaking sounds indicate your suspension joints may be worn out or broken. These sounds are more likely to happen when you`re driving at a low speed. Alternatively, a creaking sound that gets louder over time typically indicates your car`s ball joints may be faulty.
Causes of Strange Sounds When Turning the Wheel
Suspension Joints: Often heard at lower speeds, creaking, clunking, or popping is an indication of worn-out suspension joints. Power Steering Pump: Another low-speed sound, a whining noise can often diagnose an issue with the power steering pump.
Creaking sounds indicate your suspension joints may be worn out or broken. These sounds are more likely to happen when you`re driving at a low speed. Alternatively, a creaking sound that gets louder over time typically indicates your car`s ball joints may be faulty.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Have 2005 Cadillac Deville and had front and back struts replaced 1 1/2 years ago. Having how long do struts last when replaced?
ANSWER : Hi there:
Though there is not a specific maintenance period for struts, they do need to be changed as they fail and cause problems. Putting off changing your struts for too long can make your vehicle unstable to drive and it can even make it unsafe. However, there are other front end suspension components including tie rod ends that could cause the same type of symptoms as the worn out struts. To be on the safe side, you might want to have one of our mobile mechanics complete a car is making a noise inspection; so they can pinpoint the source of the noise and determine what parts might be worn out and need to be replaced.
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Front creaking noise appears when driving. The noise is on the right side.
ANSWER : Hi there. The issue that you are having is the lower control arm bushings are worn out and dried up. I recommend replacing the lower control arm bushings on both sides on the front of the vehicle. The rubber becomes hard and does not flex properly. This will begin to squeak and eventually fall apart. Polyurethane bushings are the best to buy, but they squeak by definition. Those bushings are very hard and not very flexible but they will last 12 years or more. I recommend putting the bushings that were made by the manufacture to keep the vehicle from squeaking. If you need further assistance with your vehicle squeaking on the right side, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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Are strut mounts typically replaced when you do new struts on front end? Quoted $700+tax for both – not including alignment. High?
ANSWER : Hi there. Were the mounts quoted in the estimate? Was a strut assembly quoted? If the answer is no to these questions, then the strut mounts were not quoted. However, the strut mounts on this vehicle are pretty much just a rubber cushion designed to aid in the absorption of road shock. There are many aftermarket brands that offer complete assemblies at reasonable prices. Installation and part prices can vary from one repair facility to another. I suggest acquiring additional estimates and comparing the pros and cons of each. Was an inspection performed that determined that the struts are in need of replacement? What was the diagnostic process or reference specification? As a former Toyota Master technician I can tell you that Toyota has a specific criteria measurement for leaking struts and shocks; some leakage is normal, but if the fluid is all the way to the bottom of the shock tube it is in need of replacement. Your Mechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a suspension inspection and a strut replacement.
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Had front struts replaced, would the coil be replaced as well? The coil doesn’t look new
ANSWER : Hello. Changing the strut consists of just that, replacing the strut. This is the center part that looks similar to a shock. If you were expecting more then the strut, then it would have been a more expensive job. What many shops are opting to sell know are quick struts, which are a complete set up, including the mount and the coil. These are great for older cars. If they charged you for more than just the struts then you need to talk with them about it. If it was just a strut job then you got what you paid for. If you’d like a second opinion on this, enlist the help of another certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, to diagnose your suspension system and suggest what to do from there. Good luck.
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Why are my strut mounts failing
ANSWER : The shoulder on aftermarket struts at the top of the piston is sometimes designed such that you have to put a washer or washers underneath the strut retaining nut in order to properly tighten the piston to the mount. Also, you have to be sure that you have applied the correct torque (with a torque wrench) to the retaining nut, otherwise the piston will move relative to the mount and the back and forth pounding will cause the kind of failure you are seeing. Also, check to be sure you are not missing any parts in the assembly. The only way to be sure of a problem free installation is to use OEM (dealer supplied) genuine parts. It is possible that your issue is, in part, caused by an aftermarket part/design that is just not appropriate for the application. To get this resolved, I recommend you request strut inspection/replacement and in the course of that consider just installing the OEM parts that are guaranteed to fit and work on your particular vehicle. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Read Full Q/A … : Front strut is creaking.
Front strut is creaking.
ANSWER : It can be a challenge when it comes to pin pointing noises in the suspension system to identify what part is making which noise. It does not help that there are several components that can produce the same or very similar noises as each other. Since all of the suspension components move or “flex” when your Ford goes over bumps, it really takes a trained ear to narrow down the possibilities of problems you can hear. You are correct to lean towards the strut mounts maybe needing attention. With your car, due to its age, it is likely that the strut mounts are in need replacement if they have not yet been done. With a repair this specialized, I highly recommend having a certified mechanic inspect your vehicle to make sure that it is indeed the struts and not another issue going on.
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After changing my struts on 2010 Focus my front end had dropped I can’t see my hood when driving.
ANSWER : The struts that were installed in the car may have been the wrong style or the wrong design for your vehicle causing the front end to drop down more. Usually the front end would rise more as the springs would be new and not sag. I recommend checking to see what parts were installed and verify the make and model it was used for. Some of the struts are universal and can be used on different vehicles. You may have to have a different set installed to make the ride height correct for your driving conditions. If you need further assistance with your struts being too low, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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Replace front struts
ANSWER : Hello. Your all wheel drive system should have active suspension on it. This means that the struts are electronic. You typically cannot find these online as they are a dealer item. Unfortunately, you cannot use the 2WD struts as that will create issues with your vehicle and the warning systems. If you want to have these struts replaced professionally, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to perform this service
Read Full Q/A … : Front strut is creaking.
