Just want to get some quick opinions on this before I do anything. I've got a nasty front end noise whenever I go over even the smallest bumps. My first thought is the front shocks/struts, but if i bounce the car up and down while its parked there is no noise. Car has to be moving in order for me to hear the noise and it only happens at speeds less than 45 mph. Also, it doesn't happen that often when its warm out...only when it's cold and wet. Confused? So am I. Car has about 104000 miles on it.
Thanks for any advise you can give. I just don't want to spend the money to replace the shocks/struts if that's not the problem. Maybe suspension bushings?
2000 Cavalier Z24
Probably your upper strut mounts, and if not your control arm bushings. Both common problems with j bodys
I had this happen to my '03, I had to take it back a few times when it was new, apparently there was a recall on some suspension bushings. They replaced them, it went away for a while, but whenever the car gets wet, it squeeks just like you describe it.
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Ya thats the control arm bushings. They are horrible in j cars lol.
I just realized in the last couple weeks a strange squeeking noise that I was having when it was really cold out was actually coming from my windshield. Or so it seems anyway. No leaks or anything of the sort, but before the car/window are warmed a little as I drive and hit bumps the window will makes sounds almost like nails on a chalkboard.
Jamie, I had the same problem on my 98. Turns out it was the front sway bar bushings. Have those replaced and you'll be fine.
98 Z24
RIP Specks
I also had a terrible squeak coming from the front of the car... then a crack spread across the windshield shortly after. However, I can't blame it entirely on the windshield because now my upper strut mounts are seized and the springs pop back and forth when I steer far to one direction... so who knows?
Could be Lower ball joint, tie rod ends or bushings.
Tach Out Motorsports
Option D Inc.
If it sounds like it's coming from around the windsheild area, it's the upper mounts. It always happens when it's cold out, and you'll always hear it going slower over bumps or broken surfaces. I see it all the time at work, you can change them, but there is nothing wrong with them and it will come back, its just the rubber on the mount squaking on the metal top, the cheapest and easiest fix it to jack the car up and have the wheels hanging, take some spray grease, wd-40, rubber lubriacnt with the little straw on it, and spray in the holes around the rubber part of the upper mount and let it flow out in to the center a bit., trust me, it works, we do it all the time at work. When it comes back, just spray again. We do it on warranty all the time.
Thanks all for your advice. I'll definately try to lube up the upper mounts and see if that helps.
2000 Cavalier Z24
Well, tried lubing the upper mounts. No Luck.
Feels and sounds like it might be the shocks/struts but I'm not certain. I've priced out some new parts at summit but still don't want to buy anything until i'm sure.
I guess I'll have to take it in to a suspension shop and see if they can diagnose it for me.
2000 Cavalier Z24
Anybody got a good website for decently priced poly bushings? (control arm, sway bar, shock mounts, etc?)
2000 Cavalier Z24
I bet you its the upper mounts.
Napa has good prices.
PRND321 Till I DIE
Old Motor: 160whp & 152ft/lbs, 1/4 Mile 15.4 @88.2
M45 + LD9 + 4T40-E, GO GO GO
I posted earlier about the window making the noise... that was when it was hellacold. Now I'm getting what seems to be the same squeak coming from what sounds to be around the front right and back right suspension. Usually going over any bump that's bigger than just a tiny bump. Speed bumps for example make it happen just about every time. I'm still under warranty until June of this year, would it be best just to take it in and have the dealership look at it or try the wd-40 first?
Take it to the dealer, mine did the service for free. On my 03 the top of the strut tower needed some new cup thing that I have no idea about cause im a newb. There was a bulliten on this.
Rob Smith wrote:Take it to the dealer, mine did the service for free. On my 03 the top of the strut tower needed some new cup thing that I have no idea about cause im a newb. There was a bulliten on this.
Excellent thank you, that's what I was hoping to hear. Funny how it started acting up after I took it in for the recall on the stalling/low rpm when pressing the clutch pedal.
