Good day.
My son wrecked my '98 accord LX sedan, ran up on a curb ended up in bushes. It's been repaired but there's a new issue that has arisen. The car got new tires, wheels, something w/ the axle on the passenger side, alignment, new passenger side fender and wheel liner.
Now the car "squeaks" as its being driven, or even standing still when the tires are turned either way. My neighbor says w/ the accident, the struts may need to be aligned or replaced and the body shop should do it.
Before I call/go back to the body shop, I'd like your opinions.
Thanks.

 

I assume they checked the rest of the suspension when they made the repairs. But to check the shocks press down on the front of the car at each wheel and listen for a squeaking sound as it bounces. If it bounces excessively (more than once or twice) they shock(s) may be bad. If you can jack the car up you should check the control arms to make sure they arent bent, the tie rods and steering rack. Does the noise only occur when you turn the wheels or does it happen while driving straight?

 

Thanks. I did the bounce test and yes it does squeak (I guess normal would be no squeaking) and it does squeak while driving straight.

 

Thrashed bushings can also squeak.

Check all suspension bushings. They could have been damaged during the off road event.

 

its a mouse under the car!!!!!

does it squeak only on bumps and comin to a stop?

 

If the struts need to be replaced, what brand do you recommend from one of the auto stores?
If not, what shop do you recommend in the 23666 area?
Thanks

 

its not the struts!!! struts typically do not squeak..just because you bounce the car and it squeaks that doesn't mean the struts are bad..i've rarely heard a strut squeak..its possible that the piston in the strut is bend but thats a slight chance..i'll tell you what it most likely is..check your ball joints..i can almost guarantee you that its the ball joints..especially on an accord..very common problem..they will squeak over bumps while drivin..when you're turning..what happens is the ball joints get dried out and rusty inside the boot..then they squeak..check for ripped boots..if the boots arent ripped..then what you do is go one by one..poke a very small hole in the boot..take a can of penetrating spray(wd-40) whatever you have and use the little nozzle that comes with it and stick it in the hole..spray some in there..if you see brown liquid comes out then theres rust in there..only do one at a time..because you want to figure out which one is causing the problem..and try to narrow it down first and figure what side the noise is coming from..you have an upper and lower balljoint on each side..spray the penetrant in the boot..lower the car back down and turn the steering wheel back and forth or bounce the car..or drive it..to work the spray into the joint....

 

Take it to a frame shop first.

Taking it to get an alignment is a waste of money without seeing a frame shop