Hello!

I can always count on you folks to get me pointed in the right direction. Did lots of digging, but almost everything I find is regarding front suspension squeaks. I have new shocks in rear of my 1983 242. Underneath in super clean shape, no rust. Arm bushings have been replaced, has IPD anti sway. Going over any kind of bump or rough roads causes squeaky rear suspension. I can produce the sound with the slightest pushing up and down on rear corners. I can "feel" the squeak vibration if I get rear corner moving up and down while holding onto the rear spring....so 90% sure it has something to do with spring or spring seat, etc. I was wondering about greasing, or otherwise lubricating something to stop the squeaking. Sounds like newlyweds on a worn out mattress . I've attached a wav audio file I recorded by placing phone on top of rear tire while pushing on rear corner, so you can hear the noise. Not sure of the best way to lubricate, or if that could even be a long term solution. I do have spring compressors, from front strut project, if needed to address this. Ideas? Oh...both left and right side does same thing.

Thanks in advance!
Doug

 

You can use brake fluid to lube rubber, the effects are temporary--don't get it on painted surfaces as the fluid is corrosive. Dried out rubber bushings ideally should be replaced. Your audio was a little more metallic but still...

 

What kind of bushings were used when replaced? Poly? Rubber? Rubber bushings shouldn't squeak as they are bonded to the sleeve that gets pressed in. If this bonding separates you will get squeaking.

You really need to pinpoint the source of the noise. You can use a flexible hose like a stethoscope to help pinpoint the location of the noise.

 

Thanks guys! The rear control arm bushings are the rubber type (oem style). They are for all intents and purposes new, with no slop, separation, etc. I've used my stethoscope and those aren't where the squeaks are coming from. I would say I've pinpointed to the rear suspension springs someplace. The upper and lower plates are in fine shape with no rust. I should consult my shop manual, as I'm not sure what/how many parts in in that rear spring assembly...that could be causing squeak. I'll pull it apart a bit more to see how that is put together.

 

sway bar bushings can cause squeaks.