Possible causes
Rubber-and-metal parts
Control arm and anti-roll bar bushes harden over time, especially in frost, and start to squeak. It is a reason for a check, even if the handling has not changed yet.
Ball joints and other joints
A squeak when turning the steering wheel or over bumps can come from joints with a damaged boot. Without grease and with dirt inside, the joint wears faster.
Strut top bearings and springs
Squeaks or clicks when turning the steering wheel at a standstill are sometimes caused by the strut top bearings and springs. Such sounds are checked together with the whole front suspension.
What to tell the mechanic
- When it squeaks: over bumps, when turning the steering wheel, only in the cold or always.
- Where you hear it: front, rear, one side.
- Whether there is also knocking, vibration or a change in how the car behaves.
What you can do
If knocking, play in the steering or worse road holding have been added to the squeak, do not put off a suspension check. Spraying lubricant on from outside only silences the sound for a short time.
Where the check starts
The mechanic finds the exact cause during the inspection.
Frequently asked questions
It only squeaks in winter. Does it need fixing?
Rubber hardens in frost and the squeak may appear only in the cold. But it is a sign the parts are ageing, so their condition is worth checking during a running gear inspection.
Can it just be lubricated?
Lubricating from outside can silence the sound for a while, but it does not repair a worn joint or bush.