need help diagnosing squeaky suspension

[racerx520]

i put on a NCD 2.5" leveling kit, 3" rear block and a 1.5" body lift about 2 or 3 years ago. This spring ive noticed the front driver's side seems to be squeaking when i hit a bump and seems to be getting worse. I looked underneath real quick and noticed the lower ball joint rubber is torn, but i dont think thats the source of the noise, or could it?

 

anyone have any ideas what to check? the squeaking is seeming to be getting worse. any advice is super helpful.

[txab]

Ball joints can squeak. Check all rubber bushings.

[gmtech4]

have both lower ball joints replaced ,the boots have failed ,,,,they are done !!!

[racerx520]

you guys think its the ball joints? i see all the rubber bushings like on the sway bars, the shocks and such and thought maybe they could be squeaking....anyone recommend putting wd-40 on them just incase?

[txab]

Ball joints are one possibility. Yes check all your bushings, as they are another likely culprit. Rob's point is that once the boots are torn the BJ should be replaced since water and dirt are now able to enter the joint unimpeded.

 

I wouldn't use WD40 btw. Try a silicone spray

[racerx520]

ok thanks...i'll get some silicone spray and hose them down....i dont know how long the ball joint boot has been torn for, i havent really had time to try and fix the squeaks. Thanks

[brantjs]

I had replaced some of my bushings on my last truck with urethane, and I had to periodically pull apart the sway bar ones and grease the bushings because they would squeak like what you're talking about going over bumps. Otherwise you need to do like the others said and replace your ball joints. Typically once the boot is ripped they will fail shortly after.

[racerx520]

i got a price for the ball joint, my friend at a local auto parts store told me $80 for LCA w/ ball joint pressed in already and it comes with all new bushings for the LCA. I figured i'm replacing the ball joint anyway, so i sprayed some WD-40 into the tear in the boot just for the hell of it, and it did get a little bit more quiet. I think thats a good sign the ball joint is no good