Suspension squeak and creak...do I grease some points?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Jeffrimerman, Jan 18, 2021.

  1. Jeffrimerman

    Jeffrimerman Member

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    Hey guys/gals,
    I've recently noticed when my car starts from a resting position as I brake or do down the driveway there is a creak, nothing major. Are there places or joints we need to grease up. It's a 2010 with 120k miles so about time for the spark plug change also. I have thick bearing grease I can use. It sounds like it's from the front end. I should google this also. Thanks
     
    #1 Jeffrimerman, Jan 18, 2021
  2. hotelprisoner

    hotelprisoner Member

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    I had an identical issue to that described above on a Gen 2 and it was the lower control arm bushings. It required replacement of both control arms.
     
    #2 hotelprisoner, Jan 18, 2021
  3. Jeffrimerman

    Jeffrimerman Member

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    Thank you hotelprisoner. I was about to say I only found 1.2 Trillion discussions of suspension noise and people did mention bushings. One discussion said to spray some oil and see if the noise goes away so I know which bushing. I'll do that to the lower control arm bushings and if the noise goes away then that's probably the issue. I would also think as the bushings wear out it will affect the alignment right? I noticed my right front tire had too much wear on the outside. I swapped it to the right side then felt my car pull to the right. It never did that before. I did check the alignment and it was off so I did my own garage alignment and then it is fine for now.
     
    #3 Jeffrimerman, Jan 18, 2021
    Last edited: Jan 18, 2021
  4. Jeffrimerman

    Jeffrimerman Member

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    I saw one youtube where a guy says silicone spray lubricant will seep into the bushings and get rid of the noise. I wonder if regular silicone spray will be fine or if the ones at the auto parts stores are specifically designed for bushing rubber or is it just marketing. CRC silicone spray is $2.99, WD40 silicone spray is $7.49. Either is fine I bet.
     
    #4 Jeffrimerman, Jan 18, 2021
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    What tire pressures are you using, spec, or signif higher? Also, how do you treat speed bumps*: dead slow, hit 'em hard, somewhere in-between?

    * Those %^&#! things should be abolished btw.
     

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    #5 Mendel Leisk, Jan 18, 2021
  6. hotelprisoner

    hotelprisoner Member

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    I personally would choose the silicone spray over the WD40 for use on rubber. My experience was that once the squeaking started, the damage had been done. Back in those days I was running my tires just under max pressure in a quest for better consumption. I’ve since learned that the ROI is not there for long term ownership as the suspension wears faster and the repair costs far outweigh the fuel savings.
     
    #6 hotelprisoner, Jan 18, 2021
  7. tweedle99

    tweedle99 Member

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    I saw something similar too but not either one, but ATP at-205. some kind of rubber rejuvenator. thinking about buying some and try it out.

     
    #7 tweedle99, Jan 23, 2021
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