Front Suspension

zz50 · October 14, 2008

I have a 2003 Sierra 2wd (coil spring) suspension. It has developed a noise, squeak and thud in the left side. Sounds like in the conrtrol arm moving slightly.

Has anyone had any issues with the control arm bushings. No it is not the steering shaft issue. Unit has 130k miles. Shocks have been replaced and issue was

there previously. Has been there for 25k+ miles. Tire wear and steering is normal. Any one fixed any of these problems....

csheatz · October 15, 2008

Does it happen during braking? or normal driving?

95Sierra2500 · October 15, 2008

It sounds like you're describing a bad bushing. I suggest jacking up the vehicle and placing it on jackstands so the suspension is unloaded. Then, attempt to move the control arm back and forth, in and out, and up and down with a pry bar (don't go crazy, now). There should be a little movement, but no metal should touch. If it does, one of those is bad.

You may also want to look at your ball joint and see if that has any play in it. Generally this is checked by trying to move the wheel up and down while the suspension is loaded (jack under the control arm, try to move wheel w/prybar).

That should help you diagnose where the problem is coming from. If you don't want to risk doing it yourself, any competent alignment shop should be able to diagnose it for you.