Squeaking Control Arm Bushings

[metalshredder]

I installed a set of control arm bushings on my 98 chevy (that I no longer own...) and purposely bought the black bushings with graphite.  I performed the installation as stated in the instructions, and all went fine, except that the bushings squeaked, from day 1.  Now, we installed another set, same part number, in my friend's truck, same type of truck, and he had no squeaks at all. 

Now we DID use the grease that came with the bushing kit, all things were done exactly the same.  Why did one squeak and one not?  I was under the impression that the graphite-black bushings were NOT supposed to squeak.  That was the whole reason I got them instead of the red. 

I again own a 98 chevy that will get a set of bushings, and I'd prefer that it not squeak, but if it makes no difference, I would like to get the red bushings.  Does anyone have an answer for why my other truck squeaked?

[Kossak]

Hello,

Grease is the only thing that will stop squeaking.  Make sure to thoroughly coat all poly surfaces that are in contact with metal.  Use whatever color you want, just remember to use a lot of grease.

[metalshredder]

Where do I find more grease, or what kind can I use that is available anywhere?

[Vector]

Hi metalshredder.
       Here are a few things you can do.  Go to energysuspensionparts.com and order more grease, don't worry its not that expensive. If your looking for a widely available grease. I would recommend going to Napa, Autozone, or Advance auto parts, (Walmart might have it too).. and find either Lucas grease, preferably a marine grease. If you don't like Lucas products. Any other grease for MARINE application should work great for your squeaky bushings. Why marine grease? Its a much tackier grease and resists washout from water, so on a truck that would be more likely to have exposure to water sources you would want to use marine grease. Another good reason is that I am sure that the good folks at energy suspension would  recommend their grease or a marine grease.

I read that squeaking was more of an issue with older energy suspension bushings. How long ago did you install them on your own truck that you no longer own? I have also read where people had to install grease nipples on their control arms and other parts to get the squeaking to stop. I hope this was helpful. By the way, the marine grease works pretty well for a lawnmower too.

-Vector 

[Kossak]

If possible we recommend using Energy Suspension's Formula 5 Grease.  It works great with polyurethane and will provide a squeak free ride for a long time.

Vector, nice post!

A new bushing will squeak the same as an old one.  The reason it's more of an issue with "older" bushings is because after a certain amount of use, the grease will either be washed out or contaminated and the bushings will start to squeak.  Installing grease nipples is a great way to be able to constantly lubricate and maintain your bushings.  Simply re-installing them and applying a new coat of grease will work great also.

[dirtfoot]

I've got squeaky black bushings on my 92 Honda civic  They are several years old and have just started squeaking since this winter.  You can see rust dust so I believe the grease has worn out.  I was thinking of replacing them, but after you comment about remove - re-installing I'm thinking of going in that direction.  Other then the squeak, the bushings are solid.  Whats the best way to remove them w/o damaging them?  They were pressed in so I assume I'll need to press them out.

The other option mentioned about adding grease fittings, can this be done even now when the bushings are installed or do I need to remove them first?

Thanks
Bob

[Kossak]

Bob,

I would reinstall and re-grease them rather than adding a grease fitting.  The bushings should push out the same way they were pushed in.  Make sure to clean the ID of the control arms (preferably with a wire brush) once you take the bushings out.  You should also inspect the bushings once they are out to see if they have taken a set or are damaged in any way.  Good luck!

[metalshredder]

You know, the more I think about the installs between my truck and my friends, I realize that we "refined" our process a bit by the time we got around to his. 

This is where I think it went wrong for me:  When installing bushings for one of the LCA's, i realized (upon installation) that I had the short bushing in the long bushing's spot.  Had to drive it back out and re-insert in correct location.  I have a feeling that by doing that, I wasted away some of my grease.  I also at the time, did not own a vise, so I used a ball joint tool with some flat pieces of metal to press in the bushings.  I know, not the best way, but it did work.  I have a vise now, and will use next time.

With my friend's truck, everything went int he right, and he DID have a vise, made the job EASY as pie.  No squeaks.  None.  And I think we even had a bit of leftover grease to boot.

My truck squeaked like a rusted POS pretty much immediately. 

Now, My question is this.....I remember something about the black bushings (at least the particular part I ordered) claimed to have impregnated graphite in them, ie, to prevent squeaks.  Is this true?  I had read this again a few days ago from a different enregy dealer on ebay, however I am unable to find that info on this website.  Can someone set the record straight there?

Thanks guys, I appreciate all your responses.

[EnergyGeek]

The graphite does not 100% eliminate the friction between the poly the metal components.  It does help to assist and will continue to assist in preventing some friction noise.   

Kossak is correct in stating that the only way to prevent the squeaking is to be generous with the formula 5 grease and not just the graphite bushings alone.  But I believe your sincerety when stating that you used grease in both applications.

I am some what at a loss for why one vehicle would squeak and the other would not.  If you were to ask my advice; pick the red (your desired color of choice) and don't use the grease sparingly, gob it on even when the instructions tell you to use it lightly.

Thanks again!

Energy