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Front end squeak/rubbing, bushings? 200 1989

posted by  Eric-S on  Tue Jan 28 15:14 CST 2003
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I posted a message about 2 months ago inquiring about the squeak/rubbing I get when the ambient temp is below 55 (or so) degrees and my driver's side tire goes over a bump or an uneven surface. Regardless of the temperature, the squeak/rubbing goes away after about 15-20 minutes of driving, and the noise is not present when the temperature is fairly warm outside (+60?).

The front end subframe bolts seem to be tight. I thought it perhaps could be the upper strut mount, but it doesn't clunk when the wheel is sharply turned.

I'm posting this again because I noticed I can actually replicate the sound when I'm stopped a traffic light, release my foot off of the brake, and then with a little force engage the brake pedal. The brake pedal feels normal, but the noise seems to be coming from the back of the pedal? Since the noise is only from the driver's side, and it goes away in warmer temps, I'm thinking that the rubber from a bushing is re-adjusting? Would you suspect some of the front-end bushings or is there something else I'm overlooking?

Thanks!
--
Regards,
Eric Staufer,
'89 244DL 118k
My 240 Page








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    Front end squeak/rubbing, bushings? 200 1989

    posted by  TONY H on  Wed Jan 29 06:47 CST 2003
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    last visit: Fri Oct 17 16:39 CST 2014
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    My solution is the same as MANOLO. The bushings that are tied to the firewall gave me the trouble.I used to spray them down with WD-40 for temporary relief. I've since replaced them and so far, no noise.
    --
    '75 Jeep CJ5 345Hp ChevyPwr and two motorcycles: it wasn't Volvos safety , it was Longevity that sold me








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    Front end squeak/rubbing, bushings? 200 1989

    posted by  someone claiming to be Manolo on  Wed Jan 29 03:09 CST 2003 [RELATED]

    My '91 squeeks all winter long (rainy season).

    Most noticable when I run over washboard bumps approaching a stop sign (bushings are loaded by braking action).

    Spraying the rubber bushings where the control arm braces bolt to the body at the base of the firewall with silicon spray quiets it for a while. I'm sure the petroleum oil carrier used in the silicon spray shortens the bushing life, I'm sure, but they still look good after 12 years, so it cannot be hurting them too much.








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      Front end squeak/rubbing, bushings? 200 1989

      posted by  Eric-S on  Wed Jan 29 11:36 CST 2003
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      Thanks to all who have responded. When I tinker around my car this weekend, I'll certainly give it a look and spray the bushings. I figure a bushing is probably wearing down, 14 years is quite a long time. Then again, my #1 item on my dream list is to replace the front suspension bushings & ball joints (figure might as well do it all at once). Perhaps when Uncle Same pays me , I'd be interested to know how different the car feels!

      Any particular brand of silicone spray?
      --
      Regards,
      Eric Staufer,
      '89 244DL 118k
      My 240 Page








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    Front end squeak/rubbing, bushings? 200 1989

    posted by  chris herbst on  Tue Jan 28 16:10 CST 2003
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    last visit: Mon Oct 20 20:32 CST 2014
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    I suspect the strut cartridge itself, or perhaps the inner tie rod. The inner tie rod can have a horrible squeak, but it usually goes away after a while. The strut can make similar noises, but the tie rod is more suspect.

    I could be dead wrong, but it is a frequent complaint. Solution: If the inner tie rod end is not worn out, grease it. Sometimes the grease dries out after years and years, and cooler weather brings out the worst behavior. or humid weather, or both.
    --
    Chris Herbst, near Chicago.








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      Front end squeak/rubbing, bushings? 200 1989

      posted by  Eric-S on  Tue Jan 28 16:16 CST 2003
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      I had both inner tie rods replaced about a year ago, performed by an indy Volvo mechanic. The noise happened before and after the repair. Ditto on the strut. Had to replace the tie rods due to play with the tires.

      Any other thoughts?
      --
      Regards,
      Eric Staufer,
      '89 244DL 118k
      My 240 Page








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        Front end squeak/rubbing, bushings? 200 1989

        posted by  chris herbst on  Wed Jan 29 01:15 CST 2003
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        last visit: Mon Oct 20 20:32 CST 2014
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        I'm kind of at a loss. The worst thing about diagnosing squeaks like that is that they come from everywhere, reverberating through all the front suspension parts.

        It could be a bushing noise, but usually bushings pop and clunk more than squeak.
        --
        Chris Herbst, near Chicago.








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          Front end squeak/rubbing, bushings? 200 1989

          posted by  Erling on  Wed Jan 29 02:51 CST 2003
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          last visit: Wed May 22 00:57 CST 2013
          [RELATED]

          My car is sometimes squeaking a bit too, noticeable when passing those speed bumps in winter. I have been hoping it is the shocks, as I will replace those anyway when the weather gets a little warmer. Alternatively I have suspected the bushings; even if my car hasn't rolled many miles the rubber is after all 16 years this spring. OTOH, when I replaced the swaybars last autumn, all the rubber bushings I removed seemed fresh and 'new'. Hmmm....

          Erling.
          --
          1987 240 GL 81K miles







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