I'm starting to get a squeaking sound for 1-2 times from the front left wheel area when I go over big bumps, slowly, while the car bounces a few times. I don't know much about what this might be, but could it be a strut or shock going bad? I have 124,000 miles on my 97 EX sedan, 4 cylinder and it runs great, but this just started a few days ago. Any way to check what this might be? If it is struts or shocks, what's the cheapest/best way to fix it? I like my baby as stock as possible. Thanx.

 

Could be the shock, but it also could be any of the suspension bushings on that side. The first step has to be identify exactly where the noise is located.

Can you make the noise if you just push down on the fender? Then lay down & look while someone pushes down the fender. Try to narrow down the location. High or low? Inboard or outboard?

Then spray silicone into the bushings, one by one. That won't keep it quiet for long, but probably long enough to identify which bushing is noisy. Then try silicone GREASE or maybe replace that bushing.

 

If it's bouncing more than usual it's probably a busted shock.

 

Any place on the www that would have good pictures of the bushings I would need to look at?

 

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com
Pick your car, then select 'lower arm'.

#s 2, 7, 14, 15, 16, 20, for starters.


The ball joints & upper control arm are shown on the 'knuckle' drawing.

Basically anything that pivots or hinges when you bounce the suspension. You just gotta look & listen. But if it's bouncing more than usual, the shock itself is still a good suspect.

 

Thanx Jim, I appreciate all the help and links.