Nissan Frontier - Creak w/suspension travel

[TWG1572]

My Frontier with 175K has recently developed a really annoying creaking noise. It occurs any time the suspension travels, and if I get out I'll hear the creaking as the body rises. I get some interesting looks these days in parking lots....

I've attached a video from another thread I found on this noise. Exact same sound and symptoms. Unfortunately, the thread was never resolved. I know the plan of attack is to get under it and liberally spray the bushings with lubricant till the squeaking stops, but I was hoping someone might have some thoughts on where to start based on the symptoms. In the thread I read on the Frontier website, someone suggested lower shock bushings potentially and it looks like the guy says in the comments that putting grease on the lower shock mounts has helped. So, maybe that's it.


YouTube Video of Squeak

I know this is a shot in the dark, but maybe someone out in BITOG land has experienced this and can point me in the right direction. Otherwise, I guess I'll do the shotgun approach with lubricant starting with the shock mounts.

 

[Boomer]

Can be ball joints...the so-called lifetime lubed ones can dry out and do this. Also look at the sway bar bushings. If dry, shoot a little silicone lube into them.

 

[Bgallagher]

Lubing up any of the bushings will help but will ultimately only be temporary. Unless you start replacing bushing it is hard to find a result that will last for any considerable amount of time. Does any of your suspension pieces have grease fittings? Wouldn't hurt to hit them with the GG.

 

[TWG1572]

No grease fittings on my suspension unfortunately. Looks like tonight's project is arming myself with a can of spray silicone lube, and have my kid jump up and down in the back of the truck to get it bouncing. If i can at least find it, then I can determine if it's a DIY project or not.

My go-to mechanic unexpectedly passed away a couple weeks ago, exactly the time this creaking developed. I read his obituary in the paper the day I said I was going to give him a call. Odd timing.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Originally Posted By: Boomer
Can be ball joints...the so-called lifetime lubed ones can dry out and do this. Also look at the sway bar bushings. If dry, shoot a little silicone lube into them.
I was just about to type what Boomer just typed

Dry ball joints make the most noise.

 

[Carbuff]

I have taken to using a needle adapter to squirt grease into rubber-booted joints without provisions for grease fittings (ball joints, sway bar end links, tie rod ends). Do it every oil change, while waiting for the sump to stop dripping.

 

[Olas]

Grease each bush one at a time, and try to replicate the noise before greasing the next one.
When the noise stops you know which part to replace (assuming its a bush)

Is the spring seated correctly? Does it only happen when the suspension sees vertical travel or does it happen on rotation too? Ball joints and track rod ends? Top mount? A severely fatigued spring that's giving warning of its imminent death? ARB drop links?

If greasing bushes doesn't work, use a stethoscope while a helper gets in and out a few times.

 

[Olas]

Grease each bush one at a time, and try to replicate the noise before greasing the next one.
When the noise stops you know which part to replace (assuming its a bush)

Is the spring seated correctly? Does it only happen when the suspension sees vertical travel or does it happen on rotation too? Ball joints and track rod ends? Top mount? A severely fatigued spring that's giving warning of its imminent death? ARB drop links?

If greasing bushes doesn't work, use a stethoscope while a helper gets in and out a few times.

 

[TWG1572]

Olas - it does happen when the wheels turn, just quieter. I did not even notice that noise was there until last night when I was moving the wheel back and fourth to get my head in and listen. It's quieter compared to the up and down creaking, but it's there. Does that help narrow it down any?

I didn't make much progress with the greasing. It certainly seems to be coming from the lower shock area, but I also know there are a lot of parts around there that could be the culprit. I may need to get myself that stethoscope.

 

[TWG1572]

I should update this thread, since the culprit was found. Both upper and lower ball joints were bad. Evidently with Frontiers, it's cheaper to just replace the control arms. So that's what I had done.

I hadn't realized how loud the noise had gotten, until I got it back and realized how quiet the truck now was.