Front drivers side squeak

[Chewymac]

I bought my 2011 ram 1500 a little over a year ago, currently has about 120,000 miles. I have been dealing with multiple issues, shutting off while idle(fixed) check engine light for intake runner valve(fixed) but for the life of me I cannot find out where this squeak is coming from. I have taken it to two mechanics, one telling me it’s the ball joint, another saying it’s the strut but the strut has plenty of life on it(doesn’t make sense to me). I’m at a loss, figured I’d check a forum for advice before I start replacing everything. It squeaks when weight is put on the drivers side, and while bounced from side to side, or while driving and I go over the slightest of bumps. I can post a video of the sound if that helps.https://www.flickr.com/photos/97135233@N06/51931873663/in/dateposted-public/

 

[Lyle Longboat]

Check control arm/strut bushings. Sway bar end link bushings as well.

 

[metalchewy]

My 2010 squeaks on the driver side as well. After it warms up and has been driven a bit it goes away.

As an old car guy who has had a lot of cars that squeak with poly bushings, Dart, Gtx, Coronet, Volare... all squeaked when cold.

... I just assumed it was bushings on my truck. Watching thread to see if you find the solution.

 

[DILLIGAF]

Take it all apart and check.

 

[Jeepwalker]

Is it a suspension squeak for sure? Probably one of the bushings associated with the strut or maybe the upper/lower a-arm bushings. you could try hosing them down with water, soaking them, and see if the sound temporarily changes. Or spray a little carb cleaner on a bushing ...drive it, then spray another one and repeat till you find which one stops squeaking. Start with the lower elements one at a time and move to the top (to help isolate).

Then what a guy could do is apply a little oil to the affected bushing, let it sit for a bit, then clean oil off with a grease remover (or soapy water). That should help lube it up w/o damaging the bushing long-term. If that doesn't do the trick and the squeak comes back, apply a little brake fluid to the rubber with a brush, then degrease. That will cause the bushing to swell. But you don't want to leave it or eventually it'll cause the bushings to get soft/gummy. But I had a vehicle like that I did the brake fluid trick for many years. It stopped the squeak for a year, maybe 2 then I'd just apply a small amt with a small brush. As long as I had the car it didn't cause any issues with the bushing. But different car, different era.

If it's a ball joint then you want to change it before it gets dry and pulls apart.

 

[Livinalittle]

My first guess would be upper control arm bushings. Try spraying with soapy water to see if it goes away temporarily.