Shocks squeaking after struts replaced

[paqman]

I would post this in the Kia forum, but I think this is a more general suspension question, not really Kia specific.

I'm looking at a 2015 Forte for my daughter. In all other respects it is in very good condition, but there is very noticeable squeaking coming from the front shocks. And I don't mean like your typical struts creaking, it really just sounds like a squeaky door hinge or a squeaky mattress or something. We were joking there were squirrels running the engine. And it's over every little bump, any time the suspension moves, not just big bumps. The suspension feels fine, no bottoming out or bouncing or anything. And looking at them, they looked brand new.

Talking to the seller, he said they were indeed just replaced, but said the shop didn't replace the top part when doing it. I can't remember the word he used, but I think he said like cap or brace or something. I'm wondering if he was saying they reused the upper mount and bearing? Anyway, he says they were just replaced (and they did look new) and that they just reused that part which is causing the squeaking.

I will be taking it to a mechanic for an inspection next week, but curious on your opinion. Those parts aren't super expensive, but the labor to replace them would be the same as replacing the whole assembly, cause you gotta take the whole shock apart anyway to do it lol. I've done suspension replacements before on a few different cars, but don't enjoy the thought of doing all that for something if it's not really a problem. (also I've only disassembled a shock assembly once, the others I just bought pre-assembled shocks and struts.)

Wondering if this is something to worry about? Or if it can maybe be alleviated with some silicone lubricant or something. My daughter honestly doesn't care about the squeak, it's more funny than anything, but I want to make sure it's not going to be a problem. Thanks!

[shorod]

I would be a bit surprised if the strut mounts / strut plates are the cause of the described squeak. As described, it sounds more like a dry ball joint, tie rod end, anti-sway bar end link or bushing, or control arm bushing. If you have a grease gun you can pick up a needle tip for your grease gun, then inject grease through the boot of each of the components one at a time to narrow down which joint is squeaking.

-Rod

[paqman]

Originally Posted by shorod

I would be a bit surprised if the strut mounts / strut plates are the cause of the described squeak. As described, it sounds more like a dry ball joint, tie rod end, anti-sway bar end link or bushing, or control arm bushing. If you have a grease gun you can pick up a needle tip for your grease gun, then inject grease through the boot of each of the components one at a time to narrow down which joint is squeaking.

-Rod

Huh ok thanks. I will see if I can do that. And maybe the mechanic can help narrow it down too.