squish and squeak
 

Among the other recently developed problems, when I roll over a good sized bump, I'm hearing a squish noise from the front end. It's hard to describe a noise obviously, but it sounds like a pogo stick, which makes me think shocks. Point me in the right direciton to search please.

Does your steering feel pretty much the same? If so, I would bet on shocks. The bounce test at a stand still is helpful, yet not conclusive.

There doesn't seem to be a lot of play in the steering, and did not change before or after the noise began. I tried 'the bounce test' but like you said, unconclusive.

I'll go with new shocks, I think you'll be happy. Some folks go with HD's in front, regulars in rear. A simple DIY, with a thin walled 12 point 10mm socket, often supplied with shocks.

Check the boots on your lower ball joints. If they are split, they'll need to be replaced at some point. My front end was making a sound between a squeek and a crunch that steadily got worse, over time, but came and went with the weather. Replaced the lower ball joints, no noise.

Bushings?
 

I have a similar squeak from the right front going over bumps. The "bump test" has also proved inconclusive. I think it could be the shocks but I also suspect the anti sway bar bushings. The ones under the battery tray and brake booster. I will be changing them out this week and we'll see.

- Peter.

A creaking noise from the front may be ball joint related.

The boot on the joint above the tire is split. I'm new to any type of steering-suspension repairs. I'll be reading about ball joint repair tonight then. I don't mind fixing things a head of time (broken) so I'll change shocks at the same time.

In the mean time, and squeezed some grease in with my needle.

I replaced a Upper Control Arm, easy, mostly. The trick was to lower the car onto the LCA, "seating" the ball joint, and lining up the sway bar. But you have a new bushing and ball joint, get an alignment after ward.

So that upper control arm is what needs to be replaced, eh? I read about it in my manual, I was having trouble figuring it out.

You can replace just the ball joint, but you'll need a press to put the new one in. Available for "rent" at auto parts stores. Shouldn't need an alignment if you do just that. On the one I replaced, the bushing was shot, so I replaced with a new UCA, ball joint already installed.

Considering price and ease of job, it sounds like replacing the control arm is the way to go. No?

Generally if its the ball joint, you can reproduce the squeek/swish by shoving down on the front fender in question. Nearly all of our bad ball joints made noise when doing that.

The ball joint replacement is relatively easy if you're into moderate repair.

Diesel Don

If your bushing is good, that you can tell, maybe all you need to replace is the ball joint. Should be less involved too. Disclaimer: I have not done just a ball joint. Your call.