2003 rear suspension squeaks constantly

[Calvin]

Anyone have a solution for the constant squeaking in the rear suspension?

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[biddle]

Please follow the directions for posting in the future. "2003" isn't a summary of your post. Updating for you now.

Searched the forum and found this related thread- https://forums.fordthunderbirdforum.com/threads/squeaky-suspension.4692/

 

[Bubblehog]

The solution is new parts, either bushings on the control arms or sway bar, or ball joints in the sway arm links or tie rod. The control arm bushings probably aren’t available separately, so you would replace the whole control arm. Try to find a good mechanic for troubleshooting.

 

[BarfingMonkey]

When your Thunderbird is a squeaking...

 

[tlfmd]

Does his include the clunking that I’ve had since 2006 in my 2005?
It spent a week at the dealer without rectification that year

 

[Bubblehog]

Does his include the clunking that I’ve had since 2006 in my 2005?
It spent a week at the dealer without rectification that year

You could have bad suspension parts, or since it happened early in the car’s life, it might be a bad weld in the body where a suspension part bolts on, or a bad shock mount, or maybe a bad bushing where a suspension subframe mounts. It takes watching and listening from below while someone agitates the car to make the noise. Work for younger folks than I.

 

[Icewine]

Aluminum suspension components don’t lend themselves to replacement of bushings, which is very likely the source of your squeaking noises. I just replaced the toe rods, stabilizer bar, and upper and lower control arms on both sides, and did the shocks since the entire rear end was apart anyway. Upside? No squeaks, groans or otherwise annoying noises. Downside? About $3,000US. Upside? My 15 year old Thunderbird (2004) handles and sounds like a brand new car.

The slow degradation of suspension performance over the years can really sneak up on you. The night and day difference since I had the work done is amazing. In fact, my wife says the annoying bitching from the driver’s seat has also disappeared .

 

[edward301]

The squeaking and knocking of the suspension is usually caused by bad bushings, The control arms
are made of aluminum, and you can not replace the bushings, you have to replace the complete part.
Many people sell these parts in kits, and are not expensive. The parts to change out all four corners,
including two steering knuckles, and all four shocks-struts will cost $1,166.00. I have done this to
two 2002 T Birds, and they both drive like a dream now.

 

[BillM]

The right way is to replace the control arms and other parts. That said for a quick fix while waiting on my parts to come in I sprayed some JB chain lube on the joints and bushings and was quiet as a mouse till I got around to replacing everything under the car

 

[pegsbrdu]

The squeaking and knocking of the suspension is usually caused by bad bushings, The control arms
are made of aluminum, and you can not replace the bushings, you have to replace the complete part.
Many people sell these parts in kits, and are not expensive. The parts to change out all four corners,
including two steering knuckles, and all four shocks-struts will cost $1,166.00. I have done this to
two 2002 T Birds, and they both drive like a dream now.

I need to replace the exact same things on my 2003 T-Bird. Would you please provide me with your source of parts. That would be greatly appreciated.

 

[edward301]

I bought all my parts on eBay in various kits. Also compare prices on Amazon, a few parts were
cheaper on Amazon.

Here is a few parts from eBay.

 

[Jferris149]

I replaced the bushings, shocks and tie rod ends. I did not replace the springs. The rear of my 2002 squeaks like it's a 50 year old car.

 

[Brax]

Anyone have a solution for the constant squeaking in the rear suspension?

Put the car on a lift and spray all the bushings with pure silicon spray, try and flood the top of all the rubber bushings. Do not use any type of oil base product or oil of any kind as it deteriorates rubber. Drive the car exercising the suspension. Wait a week and repeat this will help and most likely solve your problem. Ford in their cost saving used real low end rubber on boots and bushings, Hope this helps, remember use only pure silicon.