Hey, everyone, I've been trying to solve an issue I've been having for quite a while with my suspension. Basically, any time I go over a speed bump, pothole, or any other sort of road irregularity, I get a creaking sound (maybe more of a rusty hinge sound) from the suspension. This sound occurs even when I rotate the steering wheel and the car is stationary.

I've read a bit online about a common problem being the lower ball joint, however, when I try testing the tire for any sort of play (hands on 12 and 6 o clock), there seems to be none. This problem has been occurring for around 3 years or so, but pretty much only used to happen during the winter and on really cold days, which is why I haven't looked too much into solving it. Now it happens pretty much constantly, but it gets worse the colder it is, so I figure I should look into it ASAP.

Anyways, I'm wondering if the fact that there is no play in the wheel means it's not the ball joint? Any other tips would be appreciated.

Similar (maybe the same) sound I have. Not that bad though: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKrd5KBTcH8

EDIT: I just noticed I have the same clicking sound he does when turning the steering wheel left and right. Maybe a little hard to hear due to the squeaking. Anyways, wondering if this is a problem as well? Maybe related?

 

i had the same problem on my 96 accord i found out the hard way that it was a ball joint. i was driving and it broke and ended up causing more damage then i was expecting it broke the new axle i just put in and the fender was rolled because the tire

 

lift up the vehicle, high enough to test it like the following 2 videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5U29jtC1Jo

and one with a pry bar:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqw85L_sMgE

side to side play means they're "really bad"

up-and-down movement means you caught the lower ball joints failing early & will start to shop for replacements if found like those videos portrayed.

let us know if this method works to find your problem

some shops will do this quick test for free while they're doing an oil change or other service; just ask for it

the 12 & 6 o' clock hand position is also better way to check the upper ball joint/ control arm units...

 

Thank you both for your help. I decided to replace the lower ball joint and it looks like the sound has completely disappeared.

 

what method did you use to get the Lower Ball Joint out of the knuckle?

i have a pitman puller that i used to separate my upper ball joints off the knuckle and am wondering if I can use the same tool to pop the LBJ's out as well.


did you have to remove the hub/bearing also? or can you leave those in?

 

I removed the LBJ by just hammering it out of the knuckle (took a bit of effort due to a lack of better tools). I also used a bit of lube to make things easier. Also, I'm pretty sure you don't have to disassemble the knuckle and bearing to do this, but I did in order to swap the rotors as well. I also did notice the stock LBJs didn't have this little clip thing that the new one came with, which I found odd, but oh well.

Anyways, at around 4:40 in the video below, it shows the process for installing it, so you can see how it should be removed fairly easily there. Also looks like he has the knuckle and bearing together as well. Hope that helps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zd5IcN3yjsg