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/sho...02&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.

[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