What to do for squeaky front suspension

gkgeiger

gkgeiger

Senior Member
When I had my engine out I installed a new front spring, new tube shocks, and new shackle bushings. The bushings seemed like some kind of semi hard plastic material. I can't remember if I put any lube on them but something up front is squeaking like hell. I thought about spraying them with WD40 or some other spray lube. Anyone else have this problem and how was it cured? Thanks in advance for the help.
 
Gene. My Posie #2040) reversed eye spring used the Posie 2056 shackles with the bushings included. I think I did use some WD-40 or dish soap to make it go together easier. There is no squeak. When you installed your spring did you install the little pad that goes between the top of the spring and the cross member on the center bolt? Could it be a bad shock? Are the inner fender panels, grille panels and the splash panels inside the front fenders all secure ?
 
19Fordy said:
Gene. My Posie #2040) reversed eye spring used the Posie 2056 shackles with the bushings included. I think I did use some WD-40 or dish soap to make it go together easier. There is no squeak. When you installed your spring did you install the little pad that goes between the top of the spring and the cross member on the center bolt? Could it be a bad shock? Are the inner fender panels, grille panels and the splash panels inside the front fenders all secure ?
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Yes Jim, I did put a pad on top of the spring between the cross member. It could be a shock, I'll check that. I'm sure all the panels are tight and I even put webbing between the inner fenders and frame and between the inner fenders and the fenders. I'll try some lube and check the shocks.
 
Gene, Check your exhaust system. Perhaps the header pipe, muffler etc. is just barely rubbing on something. That would make a "squeak".
 
I've used these and have no problems.

oillitebushes_background.jpg
 
I have used oilite bushings on everything for 20 years, The plastic one squeak then disintegrate. You can buy the bushings at any bearing store for about two dollars apiece.
 
You can get special grease for urethane bushings from Energy Suspension.You can buy it on line or probably get it where they sell the Energy Suspension products. It will definitely stop any squeaks. It's not expensive.
 
TJ said:
You can get special grease for urethane bushings from Energy Suspension.You can buy it on line or probably get it where they sell the Energy Suspension products. It will definitely stop any squeaks. It's not expensive.
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And how do you apply it without disassembly of the spring hangers?
 
Andy said:
I have used oilite bushings on everything for 20 years, The plastic one squeak then disintegrate. You can buy the bushings at any bearing store for about two dollars apiece.
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Are they the right size for the front and rear shackles (and stepped) or do you need to machine them to fit?
 
1oldtimer said:
Are they the right size for the front and rear shackles (and stepped) or do you need to machine them to fit?
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I have only used them of the front. They are a direct replacement for the plastic ones used in the hot rod shackles. I grind the ends of on one on each end to make sure the go in all the way. Probably useless. I just pulled the spring out from a car that has seen at least 100k. The bushings were as new but the pins was slightly worn. Never made a sound. 32-34 springs have a 7/8" eye so they would need a larger bushing or a sleeve. I have just used the 3/4" bushings in Model A style springs. The 1/2" ID by 3/4" OD by 1" long flanged bearings are available everywhere. I think I even saw them at Tractor Supply. I just repaced a set of shackles on another car that had only been loaded for a couple of months. They had sagged to the point the spring was rubbing the axle. They were stock rubber bushed type from Mac's. I replaced them with the Oilites.
 
I've had moly impregnated nylon bushings in my '41 Ford for 17 yrs. No squeaks or wear. Check them about every 3-4 yrs and they're like new.
 
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