08Cherokee

I have 2008 Jeep Cherokee, 187000 miles, it is used mostly on the highway but sees a fair amount of off road use. It is very squeaky on bumps, also get a little squeak if I turn the wheel back and forth fast. I can not identify the source.

I replaced the front struts springs bump stops etc because it sounded like squeaky springs and the bump stops looked pretty rough. That didn't have any effect on it. I inspected all the ball joints and tie rods, They visually looked good to me, I had one that had very minor cracking but not split and the rubber looked good to me, no leaking grease visible. The upper control arm bushing look a little dry, I sprayed them with lube and there was no change. I also checked the sway bar bushings and they looked healthy to me as well.

I don't really want to just go throwing parts at it, but I am not sure where to go from here. I wish I could isolate the issue before digging in again. It does not squeak if I push on it I have to be driving over bumps or I can not get a noise.

Any help appreciated.

dave1123

Look at the lower control arm bushings where they mount to the frame. Spray them with WD-40 and see if the squeak stops.

08Cherokee

Thanks, I'll check that next.

dave1123

Just a little history in case anybody is interested. CRC 5-56 was the first similar product to hit the market, but was expensive and only available in gallon cans and 55 gal drums. Union Carbide made WD-40 and pounded the market with small spray cans on the shelves of every auto parts and hardware store! So much so, that the public isn't aware of anything else. 5-56 doesn't evaporate as quickly as WD-40 either, making it a better lubricant. WD-40 was designed as a water displacement product, not as a lubricant, although it's pretty good in the short term.

08Cherokee

I use the PB Blaster Multi Purpose lube.

I sprayed all the bushings down and the squeak was still there. Actually had a pop later today so I think I am going to start with the ball joints. Bushings don't generally pop in my experience.

Are the Spicers really the way to go? I have always used moog but wouldn't mind saving a few bucks especialyl if the spicers are better.

08Cherokee

Looks like the problem is the steering rack. It is popping really loud now and squeaking at the slightest touch. Could possibly be the power steering rack bushings but I suspect it is the entire rack, I saw a good bit of grease on it.

I'll get a better look today in the light.