Infamous Front End Squeak

[alvocado]

My '02 Yukon Denali has developed a front end squeak when going over bumps at low speed. It's activated anytime the suspension moves up and down at low speeds. I tested the shocks (which are OEM air ride shocks with 30k miles on them) but I can't reproduce the noise when I rock the bumper up and down by hand. Is there any other front suspension component that would squeak when bouncing over bumps at low speed? I can't think of culprits other than the shocks.

[anonrich]

Front sway bar bushings? Wife's truck had a low speed squeak every time I hit a small bump - drove me nuts. Took off the brackets where the bar connects to the frame and greased the bushings. No more noise.

 

Admittedly, this was on her Mountaineer (she had it before I met her - a GM product is in her future) but it's the same basic layout.

[gm4yrs]

+2 for sway bar bushings. I replaced them with Energy suspension bushings with a grease fitting.

[jblakeney]

Check your cab mounts. They can cause all sorts of noises. Bumping, clunking, squeaks, grinding, and some that I am not thinking about. Plus these trucks have a problem with them. Also, shocks will make a squeaking noise in the rear (where you have one bolt holding them on) when over torqued.

 

Jbo

[alvocado]

I found this while searching over the weekend:

Suspension - Rattles/Squeaks From Front of Vehicle

Bulletin No.: 03-03-08-002B Date: November 30, 2005 TECHNICAL Subject:

Rattle/Squeak from Front of Vehicle (Replace Lower Portion of Upper Insulator Assembly) Models:

2002-2005 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT

2003-2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV

2000-2005 Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe

2002-2005 Chevrolet Avalanche

2000-2005 GMC Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL Supercede: This bulletin is being revised to update the correction and parts information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-03-08-002A (Section 03 - Suspension). Condition Some customers may comment on a rattle or squeak type noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Cause The front shock absorber plastic pilot ring may be wearing out, causing the shock to misalign in the insulator. Correction DO NOT replace the shock. Replace the lower portion, P/N 15834275 , of the upper insulator assembly using the procedure listed below. This new insulator has a taller plastic pilot ring that is attached to the metal sleeve to aid in the proper alignment of the insulators. 1. Remove the front shock absorber. Refer to the Shock Absorber Replacement procedure in the Front Suspension sub-section of the Service Manual. 2. Remove the lower portion of the upper insulator from the shock and discard. 3. Install the new lower portion of the upper insulator to the shock. Important: Be sure to center the shock in the frame bracket and tighten the upper mounting nut when the vehicle is on the ground. 4. Install the front shock absorber. Refer to the Shock Absorber Replacement procedure in the Front Suspension sub-section of the Service Manual.

 

Anyone experience a worn out pilot ring and know what it sounds like?