96 front struts squeak

[jack1018]

Hi, My wife's 96 transport has developed a squeaking noise when the wheels are turned. It sounded like the top isolator pad of the struts are rubbing on the mounting plate. What can be done to fix it or is it even a concern? Thanks

[LMP]

Just in case the souce of this noise is not positively identified, check the rubber bellows that slide on the tie rods...mine slide by small increments and make a rattling noise.
If the top mount is indeed the culprit, the replacement is done from under, and the entire strut must be taken off..that's overkill...I do not know is some form of lubricant can be squeezed in from under or from the top.....

[yellowfiero]

Originally Posted by LMP

Just in case the souce of this noise is not positively identified, check the rubber bellows that slide on the tie rods...mine slide by small increments and make a rattling noise.
If the top mount is indeed the culprit, the replacement is done from under, and the entire strut must be taken off..that's overkill...I do not know is some form of lubricant can be squeezed in from under or from the top.....

Rubber bellows on the tie rods? I just replaced the outer tie rods and I didn't see any bellows - did you mean on the inner tie rod end toward the steering mechanism?

[LMP]

Originally Posted by yellowfiero

... did you mean on the inner tie rod end toward the steering mechanism?

..mmm...I talked from memory...your interpretation is surely right...I'll go for a picture ..ahh yes, this bellows covering the inner tie rod end on both ends of the steering rack,
www.avigex.ca/xport/steering3.jpg
the bellows first sticks to the tie rod ; when turning the steering it then compresses (expands) depending on side, and suddenly slips, sticks again...and repeats....that makes a low frequency pulsating sound. it comes and goes with rainy and dry days....I do not remember if that occured before i changed the inner tie rod ends....i'm not sure if there was a collar over the bellows small end and if I reinstalled one or not....or let it too loose....I suppose then that there might be a risk of water intruding into the bellows....I'm just thinking I should pay a second attention to that issue.... or maybe if it is natural for this bellows to slip on the tie rod end rather than going for full expansion/compression and then eventually crack open..which would be even worse ....

[jack1018]

The squeak is definitely from the top of the struts when turning. Is it a concern? thanks