You may have a problem that when I push down on my car it squeaks, even if it is to sit it makes a squeaking. This noise can be very annoying and sometimes embarrassing so It is important to know where this sound is coming from. A squeaking sound that comes from pushing down on your car is a result of a suspension problem.
However, the cause of this sound can go beyond suspension issues, which is why this article explores all the possible cause of this problem and give detailed instructions on how you can get rid of this sound.
Causes of car squeaking when you push down on it
This kind of squeaking noise is a result of malfunctioning components in your suspension system or a fault in other car components as well. Asides from pushing down on your car, you can also notice this squeaking sound when you pass over speed bumps.
Non-lubricated parts
Not lubricating vital components of the suspension system like the suspension joint and steering linkage can cause squeaking noises. The suspension joint is an important part of the suspension system responsible for ensuring that other parts of this system move in relative with each other. There are different types of suspension joints assigned to different components to carry out their functions, with the suspension joints not lubricated, movement between these part are no longer fluid and will lead to squeaking sounds.
The steering linkage is a system consisting of the steering shaft, steering box, tie rods, and ball joints. The steering wheel is linked to the steering box by the steering shaft and this system altogether translates the movement of the steering wheel to the left and right movement of the front wheels. Not lubricating this system leads to friction between the parts which causes a squeaking noise.
Worn-out rubber bushing
Suspension bushes are elastic materials fixed between suspension components. It is responsible for keeping metal parts from brushing against each other and with time they slack or wear out. When this important suspension component becomes worn out, you don’t get smooth movement like you usually do and this can lead to squeaking noises.
To know if your suspension bushes are worn out, this squeaking noise indicates that some metal components are rubbing against each other.
Loose or worn belts
Three types of belts can be present in your car and they are the serpentine belt also known as the drive belt and the timing belt. The serpentine or drive belt ensures that power gets to the engine components, and the timing belt is a toothed belt used to synchronize the movement of the crankshaft and camshaft.
After a while, these belts can become worn out or loose and when this happens you will observe a squeaking sound while you drive due to friction between components. If this problem is not attended to immediately, it can cause further damage.
Worn brake pads
The brake pads and rotor combined is what make it possible to stop a moving car and they are important components of the suspension system as well. When your leg pushes against the brake pedal, the brake pads squeeze against the rotors to stop a car. And when your brake pads are worn out the metal wear indicator gives you a notification by creating a squealing sound. This squealing sound is caused by the metal wear indicator moving against the rotor.
When it comes to a problem with your brake pads, you should not just fix it because of the sound but also because of your safety and your maintenance budget. With worn brake pads, your brake response malfunctions and it takes longer to slow down your car. Worn brake pads can also damage your rotors which cost a lot to repair.
How the suspension system works
The suspension system comprises shock absorbers, springs, struts, and dampers. The primary function of the suspension system is to ensure that you are comfortable when you drive over speed bumps or potholes. When your car moves over a rough surface, the spring is responsible for absorbing vibrations and shock while the shock absorbers ensure that your car doesn’t bounce with every movement.
The struts support the weight of the car as it has a structural build that allows them to support the suspension and help keep the tires aligned. Sway bars help to reduce the amount of side-to-side leaning a car experiences when it rounds a corner. This component is attached to the suspension frame and it is usually made of a strong material like steel.
How to fix the squeaking sound when you push down on your car
If you always complain” when I push down on my car it squeaks” the key to eliminating this sound your car makes is to identify the cause of this noise. After identifying this noise, you can execute the appropriate solution or contact an expert to help you out.
Replace worn-out parts
There are various components relating to your car’s suspension system that can get worn out. When these parts become worn out, you start to hear squeaky noises when you push on your car. Some of these parts include brake pads, rubber bushings, and belts. These parts are made to wear and when this happens, you need to get a quality replacement to keep your car functioning with optimal performance because driving with worn-out parts will cause more damage than just squeaky noises.
To choose a replacement for worn-out components, you need to consider friction response, weather performance, and size.
Lubricate metal parts
Some parts of your suspension system need to work together for smooth movement and functioning of your car. When these parts work under the wrong conditions, it may be that they are moving against each other without a lubricant present and this can cause friction between these parts.
To choose the right lubricant for your car, you need to consider whether it is synthetic or not, your car’s manufacturer, the environment you usually drive through, and other oil standards. The components you need to consider lubricating are the steering linkage, tie-rods, and suspension joints.
Can a squeaky suspension lead to serious issues?
Squeaky noises coming from your suspension are usually a symptom of a bigger problem that you shouldn’t ignore. Here are two complications that come with squeaky suspension noises.
Wear and tear
In some situations, squeaky noises indicate that a component like the brake pads are already worn-out. However, this noise indicates that there is friction between two metal parts that need to be fixed before one of these parts wears out.
Permanent damage
If squeaky noises are ignored and wear and tear happen, this can lead to permanent damage to some components. You will need to get a replacement for these damaged parts and it will cost a lot more than fixing the issue at the start would have cost.
Conclusion
Squeaky noises are annoying and even worse, they can cause you to worry about your car’s normal functioning. This article has shown that these squeaky noises that happen when you push down on your car are a result of a fault in your suspension system.
“When I push down on my car it squeaks,“ this fault can be that certain parts are not well lubricated or they are worn out. It is important to know the cause of these noises before deciding on a solution. We have also given a brief guide on how the suspension system works to help you understand the problem better, and if you plan on ignoring these noises, the complications will tell you how they can cause further damage.
