My Truck Sounds Like A Squeaky Bed – Why And What To Do?

Driving with a truck that makes a noise like a squeaky bed can be quite embarrassing. Plus, the sounds can indicate serious issues with the vehicle. So why are these sounds appearing and how can you remove them? We researched these concerns for you and here’s what we found.

The truck’s suspension is usually the culprit when you hear squeaking sounds coming from the vehicle. One relatively quick fix that may help eliminate this racket is to apply lubricant to the offending sway bar bushing. So follow these steps to complete this task:

1. Find the location of the dry sway bar bushing.
2. Lift the car and remove the wheel covering the dry sway bar bushing.
3. Apply lubricant to the sway bar bushing.
4. Return the wheel and test if the squeaking noise persists.

Keep in mind that your truck's sway bar bushing might not be the only suspect of this noise. So continue reading as we talk more about the possible sources of your truck sounding like a squeaky bed. We’ll also discuss the solutions in greater detail.

Why Does My Truck Sound Like A Squeaky Bed?

A relatively common source of a truck sounding like a squeaky bed is dry sway bar bushing. Take note that sway bar bushings are vital components in a car’s suspension assembly. It helps stabilize the vehicle, particularly as it turns.

However, sway bar bushings need proper lubrication. The lubricant can wear out over time, causing a squeaking sound.

On the other hand, the entire suspension assembly might also be at fault. That squeaking noise can be an indicator that your truck’s suspension is about to go out. Take note that this assembly can malfunction or break down because of different reasons, such as:

• Misaligned tires
• Uneven tire wear
• Faulty steering rack
• Stuck brake caliper

Troubleshooting your truck can be the first step to diagnosing and verifying the origin of this squeaking sound. Still, prepare yourself as you might have to replace your truck’s suspension to remove this noise and to make your rides safe.

How Do You Fix A Truck That Squeaks?

Like relatively any automotive repair job, make sure to practice proper safety protocols before proceeding with the solutions highlighted in this section. Some safety guidelines you should be following are:

• Turn off the engine and allow it to cool down before starting the repair job.
• Ensure that the parking brake is on at all times unless you need to release it for specific reasons.
• Block the vehicle’s wheels before using a jack.
• Wear protective gear, such as gloves, safety glasses, and long-sleeved clothing.
• Only use the recommended equipment and materials for the job.
• Don’t use worn tools that might bring harm to you and the vehicle.

Lubricate The Suspension’s Sway Bar Bushing

Warning: Don’t use the standard WD-40 product in an attempt to lubricate sway bar bushings. Although it has some lubricating properties, it displaces water and can bring more harm than good to the suspension over time.

Instead, use the items listed below and follow the succeeding steps to lubricate your truck’s sway bar bushing properly:

What You’ll Need

• Car jack
• Wheel chocks
• Wrenches (e.g., wheel, socket, and liquid)
• Microfiber towels
• White lithium grease

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Turn on the engine and drive the truck for a short distance to diagnose the location of the faulty sway bar bushing.
2. Return and park the vehicle in a safe location.
3. Place chocks on the wheels that’ll stay on the ground.
4. Lift the car with the jack. Ensure that the area that you’re lifting is the one with the faulty sway bar bushing.
5. Use the appropriate wrench to remove the lug nuts on the wheel assembly that’s covering the dry sway bar bushing.
6. Pull the wheel assembly out of the vehicle and set it aside temporarily.
7. Apply white lithium grease on the dry sway bar bushing according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Return the wheel and lower the vehicle safely.
9. Remove the wheel chocks and drive the truck to check if the squeaking noise persists.

Check out this white lithium grease on Amazon.

Watch the video below if you need a visual guide for the steps mentioned above. Take note that this clip shows how to lubricate the bushings on a Mercedes SUV. However, the procedure should still be quite similar for most vehicles, including trucks:

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Replace The Suspension

You should only proceed with this replacement job if (1) applying lubricant didn’t remove the squeaking noise or (2) extensive harm is visible on the assembly. Also, don’t continue with this operation if you believe you don’t have the confidence, expertise, or skill to complete it with as minimal risks of errors as possible.

However, if you deem yourself to have the requirements to complete this operation successfully, continue by following these steps:

What You’ll Need

• Wrenches
• Suspension kit

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Locate the faulty suspension on your truck.
2. Place chocks on the wheels that’ll stay on the ground.
3. Raise the vehicle with the jack. Make sure that you’re raising the side with the bad suspension.
4. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel covering the suspension that you’ll be replacing.
5. Take out the wheel to expose the suspension assembly.
6. Find and remove the damaged component.
7. Replace that part with a new unit, which should be in the suspension kit.
8. Once you install and secure the new component, return the wheel assembly.
9. Lower the vehicle to the ground and test if the squeaking sound persists.

Check out this suspension kit on Amazon.

Take note that you don’t have to take the entire suspension assembly apart. Instead, you can replace the damaged component with a new model. Don’t forget to secure the new part to ensure it doesn’t fall off and bring harm to you, the passengers, and other people nearby.

Watch this video if you need a visual representation of this procedure. Although the clip shows the steps to replace the suspension on a sedan, the process should still be similar when replacing the assembly on a truck:

Is It Safe To Drive With Squeaky Suspension?

If the squeaks happen infrequently, it might still be relatively safe to drive your vehicle until you reach your destination. But take note that any unknown sound coming from your automobile is a cause for concern.

So, troubleshoot the source of the unknown noise as soon as you arrive at a safe parking spot. Also, avoid driving the vehicle until you solve the concern. Otherwise, the harm encountered might progress, which might endanger you, your passengers, and the vehicle.

How Much Does It Cost To Lubricate Suspension?

The average professional suspension lubrication services generally cost about $100. But you might be able to save some money by purchasing the correct lubricant and applying the product by yourself.

Also, the overall costs to lubricate a car's suspension system may depend on certain factors. Some of these elements include the brand of lubricant to use, the location of the automotive repair shop, and any additional repairs your vehicle needs.

Final Words

Check your truck’s suspension to verify if it’s the reason why the vehicle sounds like a squeaky bed. If so, you may need to apply some lubricant to its sway bar bushing. Otherwise, you might need to replace the entire assembly.

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