Suspension Squeak

[Joe Isuzu]

Had all 4 shocks replaced with the Bilsteins. HUGE difference in ride quality. I thought before that I was just going to have to deal with the rough ride but now it is much more tolerable.
Anyway, here's the question. Since the shocks were all replaced, I've noticed a squeak at low speeds from the front end. It happens with minor bumps and undulations in the road. I can only hear it at low speeds. Any suggestions? With my old Fiero I could trace the squeak down to a loose front cover but with the VX being solid as a rock, I doubt it's the same. The VX has about 81k on it and my best guess is bushings that need to be replaced. Possibly anti-roll bar bushings? Does the VX have a front anti-roll bar?? Anyway, you all are the experts here so figured I'd throw it out there and see what you think. If the bushings do need to be replaced, anyone have any suggestions for nice aftermarket sport bushings rather than the typical rubber OEM ones? Thanks for your time.

[ZEUS]

You gotta do a search for anti-swaybar bushings, suspension squeaks... etc. There is good info from way back and through time. Moncha used to sell poly sway bar bushings from Energy Suspension - do a search for that and you will find part numbers for these parts that will improve your handling a bit more and quiet that area down as well.

[psychos2]

First thing to check is the rubber bumpers that the hood sits against when closed. shawn

[nfpgasmask]

... or so it seems. Mine squeaks like mad, exactly as you say, at slow speeds. I think it probably squeaks all the time, but I can only hear it when I am going slow.

Is it easy to replace the sway bar bushings?

Bart

[etlsport]

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showpost.php?p=2802&postcount=1
here is the thread with the part numbers/info about the sway bar bushings... anyone have additional info on these? (such as maintence, difficulty of installation etc)

[ZEUS]

Simplest install ever! There are so few zerk fittings on the VX, getting the greasable bushings will more than double the points for lubing. I have had mine on for 2 or 3 months and haven't needed to grease them since I installed them. Grease them as you are putting them in, bolt in place of the existing sway bar mounts, and you are done. Get a grease gun, and you can lube them yourself at every oil change. Of course, those squeaks may be coming from different places though.

[Ldub]

Another place known to be a squeak factory, is the hood catch (the metal loop in the hood that engages the release mechanisim)...cover the area that makes contact with duct (duck) or electricians tape, then test drive to see if that was it...then put on your thinking cap & come up with a more permanent fix than tape. ;)

[Joe Isuzu]

Thanks for the help guys. I will try the rubber hood bumpers and hood latch angles first. I did just have the hood latch worked on as it wasn't opening anymore.
I also tracked down the website for Moncha's bushings as well in case I need to go that route. Never replaced bushings myself though. I take it by reading other people's quotes that it's very easy. I'm guessing most of the work is mustering the will to try it and the strength needed to unlock some rusted bolts.

[blacksambo]

One way to temporarily fix the sway bar squeaks is to lube the robber bushings with silicone spray. Works fine for simple road use.

[etlsport]

joe, where did you find the bushings that Moncha used to offer at? i havent looked very hard, but if you already have the site would you mind posting the link? my vx doesnt squeak.. but i like the sound of the handling performance improvement from them

[Ldub]

etlsport,

I believe those are Energy Suspension part numbers in the link you posted...

IIRC, I took those part #'s to Auto Zone & they ordered them for me.

[2K1 1K2]

pardon a, perhaps, silly question -

would swapping the stock bushings with the upgraded ones require an alignment, afterwards? like etlsport, i dig the improved handling bit.

thanks.

-jose

[etlsport]

awesome, i figured id have to hunt for hours like most VX part.. i dont think ive ever ordered anything from autozone for my VX actually.. lol

[Ldub]

pardon a, perhaps, silly question -

would swapping the stock bushings with the upgraded ones require an alignment, afterwards? like etlsport, i dig the improved handling bit.

thanks.

-jose

No alignment necessary.

[2K1 1K2]

thanks!

-jose

[Joe Isuzu]

Actually I did a google search for energy suspension bushings and found the official site as well as a wholesaler, got front and rear for $36.49, now I may be naive as I can't imagine they sell bushings only one at a time but when they arrive, if they are just singles then double that price for 2 on each front and rear

[dave3702]

Have my new (to me anyway) 2001 toy little over a week and I think front shocks are due for replacement (54,000 miles). Tried my local 4x4 shop as well as some auto jobbers and they have no listing for Bilsteins to fit a VX. Any help as to part numbers?

[Ldub]

Welcome Dave...

One of your greatest rescources will be the site search function found in the left side bar on the home page...
Select "forums" & use "bilstein" as your search word & you'll find what you're looking for.
As a starting point, I'd recommend a thread titled: "one stop shock thread" or something similar. ;)

[Joe Isuzu]

Hi Dave, I have the part numbers at home but if you read some of the older shock-question forums you should come up with them. That's what I did. Another thing I've learned is that there are a number of parts perhaps not listed as being specifically for the Vehicross but listed for the Trooper. I believe that was the deal here as Bilstein's home page didn't have a listing for the Vehicross. I crossed my fingers and went with the numbers posted in an old forum.
Anyway, I will try and post the part numbers when I get home tonight if you haven't found them by then.

[dave3702]

Thanks guys. With the support this site seems to offer, I don't think I'll regret my purchase. I'm sure I'll have more questions as I become more familiar with my new "baby". Lovin' it so far!

[etlsport]

just bought my bushings from summit racing, 14 bucks a pair! i really wanted red but the 28mm in red wasnt going to ship until january 6th and the black ones would ship tomorrow