Front drivers side creaking over bumps

[auser]

I have a 2000 Corolla CE with 51k miles that I bought a couple of months ago. When going over bumps, the front drivers side creaks (it sounds like it’s coming from the strut/ball joint/control arm area).

At first I thought this was the sway bar bushings…so I asked the mechanic to replace those (I don’t think my car even has a sway bar since the end links just attach to the control arm). It did not fix the problem.

Then I replace the struts (complete strut which includes the spring, strut, and mount)…did not fix the problem.

I jacked up the car and checked the tire for horizontal and vertical play, none.

The noise sounds like this (at 1:19 mark):

and this (1:13 mark):

Except it only happens when going over a bump and only happens on the front drivers side.

Could this be a ball joint, stabilizer end link, or a control arm issue?

Topic

[Jeff M.]

Have you jacked it up and tried to move the wheel up and down,in and out positions ?

[auser]

Yep, I moved it horizontal and vertically and there was no play. Additionally, I did the bounce test on that side to see if there are any noises, none.

I’m going to replace one of the 3 (ball joint, control arm, end link) on Monday….what is the best guess to what could be causing it?

[Jeff M.]

[quote=”auser” post=73358]Yep, I moved it horizontal and vertically and there was no play. Additionally, I did the bounce test on that side to see if there are any noises, none.

I’m going to replace one of the 3 (ball joint, control arm, end link) on Monday….what is the best guess to what could be causing it?[/quote]

Before I get to lying have you checked the ball joint yourself “just as a visual inspection” ?

[auser]

I’m not sure what to check for exactly….is it the separation between the ball join and the control arm?

[Shaun Flichel]

check any bushings in the area as well, use silicone spray on them and see if it helps

[Jeff M.]

[quote=”auser” post=73361]I’m not sure what to check for exactly….is it the separation between the ball join and the control arm?[/quote]

If the ball joint is busted it will need to be replaced,and as shaun said:
[quote=”shaun” post=73362]check any bushings in the area as well, use silicone spray on them and see if it helps[/quote]

It could be that the bushings are just a lil dry and some lubricant may make them more pliable.

Keep us posted bud.

[college man]

If you get someone to turn the wheel to make the noise
and someone lays under the front steering/suspension you
may be able to feel the squeak with your hand to pin point.

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/diagnosing-noises-in-your-car

[EricTheCarGuy]

What you describe and what is shown in the videos would indicate a lower ball joint issue. You might not need to replace it. You can sometimes disconnect it from the knuckle and work it around in all directions to redistribute the lubricant. Once you’ve done that, reinstall it and recheck for the noise. It sometimes works. If that’s not the issue, there may be something in this article that can help you find where the noise is coming from.

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/diagnosing-noises-in-your-car

[Author]

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