Tech Tip: Creaking/Squawking from Front Strut Area

Main Navigation

Advertisement
Social Connect
Resources
Our Brand Family
Brake and Front End Magazine
Technical Resources for diagnosing and servicing undercar components
Chassis

Tech Tip: Creaking/Squawking from Front Strut Area

Owners of some Chrysler and Dodge vehicles may complain of a creaking or squawking noise coming from the front strut area while they are turning in either direction during low speed parking lot maneuvers.

Brake and Front End Staff
By Brake and Front End Staff
Published:

Vehicle Involved:
2004-05 Chrysler Pacifica, 2001-05 Chrysler Town & Country, Voyager, Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan  
1. Apply NYE grease liberally in this area (CS and SWB RS/RF vehicles). 2. Apply NYE grease liberally in this area (LWB RS/RG vehicles).
Condition:
Occurs while turning in either direction during low speed parking lot maneuvers.

Related Articles

Repair Procedure:
Raise the vehicle so that the front wheels hang free.  In each front strut, manually rotate the dust boot fore and aft, or move from side-to-side to see if the sound can be heard.  If so, remove and disassemble the strut assembly and lubricate the bushings with grease available from Chrysler under part number 05019061AA.
 
The area to apply the grease is shown in the diagram. Pacificas are “CS” vehicles, and “SWB” and “LWB” refer to short wheelbase or long wheelbase on the minivans.
 
Check wheel alignment after reassembling and reinstalling the strut assemblies.

Courtesy of NAPA Chassis.

You May Also Like

Chassis

Ride Control For Electric Vehicles

Replacement units are available from sources other than the dealer.

Andrew Markel
By Andrew Markel
Andrew Markel is the director of content for Brake & Front End magazine. He has been with Babcox Media for 20 years. He is a technician and former service writer and holds several automotive certifications from ASE and ­aftermarket manufacturers. He can be reached at [email protected].
Published:

EVs are not immune to potholes, curbs and rough roads. Just like every internal combustion vehicle on the roads, the shocks, struts and springs will eventually degrade to the point where they can no longer control the movement of the suspension. 

Most EVs have a weight problem that works to your advantage. The weight of the battery and motor can make some EVs 1,000-3,000 pounds heavier than their internal combustion counterparts. This will cause extra stress on the suspension.

Read Full Article

More Chassis Posts
Brake Pad Edge Codes

The “Edge Code” can tell you information about a brake pad’s friction material.

By Andrew Markel
Chassis Parts and Alignment Angles

Knowing why the adjustment is required is critical to performing the total alignment.

By Andrew Markel
Suspension Upgrades – Selling Shocks and Struts

The question customers fail to ask is, what is “best” for their vehicle?

By Andrew Markel
Air Ride Suspension Diagnostics

The key to understanding the logic of air ride systems is using service information.

By Andrew Markel

Other Posts

Steering Angle Sensor Operations

It is important for the ABS/ESC module to receive two signals to verify the steering wheel’s position.

By Andrew Markel
Chassis Alignment

The source of the complaint can be the angles, electronics or tires.

By Andrew Markel
Laying Out Your Shop for ADAS/EV Repairs

With so many vehicles equipped with some form of ADAS, rethinking your electronics layout or plan might be in order.

By Mitch Becker
Broken Springs

What is the cause for the failure? Why does it occur with specific vehicles?

By Andrew Markel