squeaking suspension

[saintpauljeff]

In the middle of my 5th Gladiator winter in Minnesota, and I've noticed an exceptional amount of squeaking when I first get the rig going after sitting overnight or long stretches in the cold temps. This just the nature of the stock suspension in this vehicle? I haven't performed much maintenance on it since taking ownership. Living with it for this winter, but what kinds of preventative measures can I take for next winter? (i.e. bushing lubrication, etc).

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[Hemy5587]

Also MN, also squeaky but I have a lift. I chalk it up to the cold/ winter treatments and coil springs because in the warmer temps it is not squeaky at all. I think with the salt, moisture and everything up here it just gets in all the nooks and crannies and with everything exposed like it is noises are bound to happen. 3 winters like this for me, my first winter I tried lubing everything I could see with no change in the noise. Warmer temps seem to be what makes it go away.

 

[Zachanadandy]

I'd guess the shocks are worn out after 5 years and that's the source of the squeaking.

 

[Hemy5587]

I'd guess the shocks are worn out after 5 years and that's the source of the squeaking.

Could be for him, I know my Fox shocks were done and I replaced with Bilsteins. The noise was still there the following winter for me though. Mine is maybe not so much a squeak but more of a creak.

 

[saintpauljeff]

Shocks worn out at 33k miles? The ride certainly has felt the same, however. The squeaky noise goes away after what I presume is a little friction to warm up the bushing materials. About 5 minutes of driving I can turn any corner or go over any bump and I don't hear anything anymore.

I just hadn't noticed it being this loud the last winter or two.

 

[Hemy5587]

That has been my experience also. Its been a few winters since we have been this cold too you are not alone at least! I just figure its normal. When I got my windshield changed on Monday it was in a heated shop while they did it and when I left there was no noises for me whatsoever. So if your sounds are like mine I wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

[saintpauljeff]

That has been my experience also. Its been a few winters since we have been this cold too you are not alone at least! I just figure its normal. When I got my windshield changed on Monday it was in a heated shop while they did it and when I left there was no noises for me whatsoever. So if your sounds are like mine I wouldn't worry about it too much.

thanks for the regional feedback, was mainly looking for some verification and I feel better knowing it's a common occurrence in the cold temps

just weird that I noticed it a lot this year and hadn't the previous, probably just turning into that old guy who questions everything lol

EDIT- I'm currently at the dealership getting an oil change and the video inspection they perform these days came up fully clean as far as the suspension is concerned, so definitely just have to live with the squeaks/creaks

 

[Renegade]

Shock seals can be squeaky under the right conditions, especially Fox shock seals. If your shock shaft is exposed, smear some silicone grease on them near the shock tube and see if that helps.

 

[Hemy5587]

thanks for the regional feedback, was mainly looking for some verification and I feel better knowing it's a common occurrence in the cold temps

just weird that I noticed it a lot this year and hadn't the previous, probably just turning into that old guy who questions everything lol

EDIT- I'm currently at the dealership getting an oil change and the video inspection they perform these days came up fully clean as far as the suspension is concerned, so definitely just have to live with the squeaks/creaks

Good to hear nothing was found! I feel like it could be the control arms cycling and creaking/squeaking until they do it a few times. Could be the coils. Could be shocks. Regardless seems just part of it this time of year, I mean I feel extra creaky/ squeaky right now in this cold too

 

[Casique]

I had the right rear shock rubbing badly and it made a lot of noise while driving slow.

 

[SRFRAT67]

Shock seals can be squeaky under the right conditions, especially Fox shock seals. If your shock shaft is exposed, smear some silicone grease on them near the shock tube and see if that helps.

I had the right rear shock rubbing badly and it made a lot of noise while driving slow.

I had the same problem after I lifted my Gladiator with the MOPAR lift and Bilsteins. Every time I drove it it squealed and squeaked like a stuck pig for about 50 ft then stopped. It was the shock seals. A little lube at regular intervals as noted above was the fix.

 

[jac04]

My exhaust hangers squeaked consistently when cold. I cleaned and lubricated them with silicone grease and the noise is gone.

 

[Stan H]

My exhaust hangers squeaked consistently when cold. I cleaned and lubricated them with silicone grease and the noise is gone.

I forever and chasing rattles . Drives me crazy only does it off road

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