Squeaky suspension - I mean really squeaky (3 Viewers)

[Malleus]

Here's the backstory:
2000 LX470 with 310,000 miles. Front suspension replaced (upper/lower A-arms & bushings, front swaybar bushings) last month, less (3) differential bushings. Shocks (all corners) were replaced last year. All OEM Toyota parts.

This week (about a month after the suspension parts were replaced): the entire suspension squeaks when the chassis moves at all, I mean driving over normal pavement variations, not bouncing over potholes and speedbumps. Speed doesn't seem to matter, it's the same sound level fast or slow. It sounds like the entire suspension, front and rear. It's loud enough that people on the sidewalk stop and turn their heads.

I've been driving Land Cruisers for over 30 years and I've never heard one that sounded like this. I'm at a loss as to how to troubleshoot this, because it only happens under load and I can't load the chassis with it sitting still. At least I can't think of a way to at present.

Any random thoughts and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[hoser]

Sliders or bumpers making contact with the body?

 

[Malleus]

All stock, no side steps. It's not body noise; it's too loud and deep for that, although it is a high-ish pitched squeak. And the normal age-related rattles are quiet enough they can't be heard by pedestrians walking beside the road. This makes people's heads turn tens of yards away.

If I didn't know better, I say it was the coil springs sliding around in their pockets. It sounds for all the world like a 19th centry buckboard. Being pulled by a braying ass.

Also, this only happened a month after the new suspension parts. Immediately afterward, it was fine.

I am not sure there is a correlation, I only mention it as a data point. I'm really hoping there is an unrelated problem to solve. I just don't know what it could be, or how to replicate it while the truck is standing still, so I can treat it.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Lay under the truck while someone rocks it back and forth, use a mechanic's sethoscope if necessary to pinpoint.

 

[Brandon Ryder]

Also, you can spray wd40 on the spring cups to temporarily lubricate them, to see if that is the source. I have a slight squeek but mine is a rear shock. Not sure an easy way to fix that. Don't want to replace as they are expensive aftermarket and not bad otherwise.

 

[hoser]

I've scoured my area for a machine similar to this. No luck for me.

 

[Malleus]

@Trunk Monkey
Good call! I can grab the front passenger corner fenderwell and bounce the body and replicate the sounds (plural). Moving the other three corners produces a similar, but much lessened noise.

Another point I neglected to mention, because it didn't come to mind (old age, again): this is my youngest sons' DD and he rear ended a Camry a couple of week ago. Same corner took the brunt of the damage. Grabbing the fenderwell and bouncing the body made it pretty obvious it's a body-related problem and not a suspension problem.

 

[Malleus]

Thanks to everyone for playing. Now I have body work to do...

 

[Malleus]

anyone wishing to donate lovingly used LX470 front end parts, you know how to reach me...