NorCal124

On the front driver side suspension I'm experiencing constant squeaking. I initially thought it was a lower control arm bushing but when the car is still and I steer the wheel left or right it still squeaks which now points to the shocks. I squeaks regardless when traveling down the road. This has been bugging me for a while. What do you guys think?

cap'n jasper

Swaybar bushings are a common cause.

NorCal124

Its definitely not the sway bar bushing. You can tell the sound comes directly from behind the wheel and not in front of it where the sway bar is located.

Chappy

Wheel bearings?

NorCal124

I believe wheel bearings make a warping sound and only when you're at speed.

Chappy

Mine squealed on the CE....are you getting any front end vibration, as I had that too.

NorCal124

No vibration. Just squeaking. It occurs when traveling at speed and it also happens when I'm stationary and turning the wheels which is why I'm looking at the shocks and not the bushings because the bushing barely move when turning but the shock travels significantly. I just want a second opinion or hopefully someone has had this problem before and knows what action to take.

shadowgriffen

My car has started suffering from the same symptoms, what was the cause of yours?

kth286

Likely to be the steering knuckle swivel joint dried up. See if the rubber seal has split which will confirm.

It is the joint at the end of the front suspension wishbone.

It is a critical item, for the whole of the front suspension depends on it keeping intact.

On early cars you can change the joint, BUT on later 124 ie 320 you have to change the whole wishbone.
At least with a new wishbone you will also have new 2 new bushes which also wear and can cause sloppy steering, knocking, and front tyre wear.

mgw_300e

It's probably your control arm bushings - cheap fix.
While you're at it, you might as well change the sway bar bushings, they're cheap, too.

124-Fan

From what you describe, I´m pretty sure it´s the ball joint. It dries up, like kth286 said. This is the typical sound when they dry up.

Not much problem replacing it and it´s not expensive.

Cheers,

108.016

Does the "squeak" have a hi-pitch sound? I've experienced something of this sort & it turned out to be the shock dampers. Try to oil the shafting & see if it goes away.

NorCal124

Yes it is high pitched. Did yours squeak even if you were turning the wheel at a stand still?

108.016

Yes, it was more evident on stand-still. Sounded like a "twang" of a spring.

NorCal124

Thanks for all the input. I think I have it narrowed down.