Squeaking Car: How To Bring This To An End Using Lubrication

Does your car sound like a choir of crickets auditioning for a talent competition? Has it gotten to the point that everyone knows when you’re coming home when you are a mile away? Well, a squeaking car can be quite embarrassing, but luckily with electric grease guns, you can solve some of these problems.

So what causes the car to squeak? The most common reason is when the steering joints and suspension wear out, and this causes them to fail ultimately. Also, when metal-to-metal contact parts are unlubricated and they, in turn, erode bearing surfaces and bushings. So how do you stop this?

Lubricate your chassis

You’re in luck because lubricating your chassis won’t force you to break the bank. All you need is an electric grease gun, aerosol cans of lubricant, and some chassis grease. 

Before you embark on this, it’s best to understand the kind of car you have. Most vehicles nowadays come with “lubed for life” ball joints, U-joints, and tie rod ends that are sealed. On the other hand, there are vehicles with driveline and suspension parts that have grease fittings. These enable you to use electric grease guns to apply lubrication at regular intervals.

However, even if you have a car that has sealed factory units, all aftermarket parts have grease fittings that will allow you to lubricate your vehicle. Also, you can drill and tap a hole in the sealed part and insert a grease fitting on your own.

How to lubricate your chassis

Before you get to lubricating, ensure there is space underneath for your safety. You may have to place your car on safety stands or ramps. Additionally, ensure that the parking brake is on and that there are blocks behind the wheels.

Once you’re under the car, get the dust boot on the fitting open and then get rid of all the grime to prevent forcing dirt inside. Next, pop the electric grease gun on the grease fitting and press the trigger until the rubber boot produces fresh grease along the edges.

If Squeaking persists…

There are parts on the car’s suspension that could cause your vehicle to squeak. For instance, leaf or coil springs have thin plastic insulators that prevent metal-to-metal friction from producing noise. However, age and stress from the road can cause them to wear out or fall off. To remedy this, soak the affected area with some spray-on lithium grease.

If the noise is from a rubber suspension bushing, then use silicone spray as it won’t degrade it. However, it won’t last for long.

Squeaking hinges

If your trunk, door or hood squeaks, it’s time to lube it too. Use aerosol penetrating lube to hose the hinge to rid it off corrosion. Next, use some aerosol lithium grease on it.

If the hood-release mechanism groans when pulling the interior latch, it’s time to lube it up too. First, cycle the mechanism using your hand to get rid of crunchy deposits. Next, soak it with spray penetrant to get rid of dirt or contaminated grease. Next, spray some aerosol lithium grease.

There’s no reason for having your car sounding like the soundtrack of a horror movie. Simply arm yourself with electric grease guns and some grease to instantly quieten it up. It will also save you money that you’d have spent replacing parts.

See more articles in our vehicle maintenance category.