Help identify suspension squeaks!

[JonnyRock]

I recently noticed that my suspensions squeaks quite badly upon deceleration. It can only be heard when under 30mph and decelerating and it sounds like a family of finches is somewhere under my car. *Tweet**Tweet**Tweet**Tweet**Tweet**Tweet* It's kind of rhythmic and stops when I apply the brakes.

However when I bounce each corner of the car manually, there is no noise. Anyone know where the squeaking is coming from? I've been planning on getting new bushings all around so it sounds like now might be the time.

Edited February 17, 2009 by JonnyRock

[Arne]

Sounds like a u-joint to me, assuming that it only does it while you're rolling.

[JonnyRock]

Yep only when rolling. It goes away when brakes are applied, or the clutch is disengaged.

Edited February 19, 2009 by JonnyRock

[JonnyRock]

Do these U-Joints have Zerk fittings?

[Arne]

Aftermarket u-joints sometimes do, but not always. Factory u-joints do not. A squeak like that often warns of impending failure. If so you've got some time probably, but something to think about. If there's no grease fittings and they're squeaking, they're definitely toast.

[JonnyRock]

I'm gonna crawl under my car and take a look at/feel the u-joints and see if I can pinpoint what's wrong. How much play should I look for? What's a dead give away that I've got a bad joint?

I've been looking through the old threads on this and some people could feel play in theirs, some couldn't even though they were bad.

I'm also thinking about just replacing all of 'em. I've been itching for a real hands on project and this'll be my first shot at working under the car. Anyone have experience with the joints offered by MSA and Black Dragon? I don't think I need to spring for heavy duty ones because I don't plan on substantially increasing my cars power output.

MSA and Black Dragon have very similar pricing. So similar I wouldn't be surprised if they're the same product. Although the club discount would make MSA the cheaper option. And they'd be here quicker (less distance).

Anyway, any thoughts or tips would be much appreciated!

[JoelH]

MSA gives a club discount? Any Z club?

I couldn't find anything on the site about it.

[Arne]

I'm gonna crawl under my car and take a look at/feel the u-joints and see if I can pinpoint what's wrong. How much play should I look for? What's a dead give away that I've got a bad joint?

I've been looking through the old threads on this and some people could feel play in theirs, some couldn't even though they were bad.

If the squeak you hear is a u-joint, you may not be able to feel it. Squeaks are often tight spots, not looseness.

I'm also thinking about just replacing all of 'em.

If you don't think they've been replaced in the last few year, it's probably not a bad idea. The early cars (through 8/71) are quite hard on halfshaft u-joints due to the differential location.

I've been itching for a real hands on project and this'll be my first shot at working under the car. Anyone have experience with the joints offered by MSA and Black Dragon? I don't think I need to spring for heavy duty ones because I don't plan on substantially increasing my cars power output.

MSA and Black Dragon have very similar pricing. So similar I wouldn't be surprised if they're the same product. Although the club discount would make MSA the cheaper option. And they'd be here quicker (less distance).

Anyway, any thoughts or tips would be much appreciated!

No need to order u-joints from far away. Any normal parts house should be able to get u-joints for a 240Z. I got Spicers (with grease fittings) for mine locally. The local driveline shop had them in stock.

[JonnyRock]

So I ordered a full set of u-joints from MSA about a month ago. Finally had the free time to tackle this issue.

Here's what I found after pulling the driver's side halfshaft:

This joint was toatlly dry and rusted on two sides. It really didn't want to rotate in the direction of the arrow.

So I'm taking both halfshafts into "Driveline Services of Bellingham" tomorrow and he's pressing in my new joints for about $60.

Thanks to Arne and Dave!

Edited April 9, 2009 by JonnyRock