Sounds similar to the sound in the RR of my '98. I've checked a few things out back
there and I'm down to either the RR shock or the RR UCA.
To your problem. How old are the struts? Try this:
Lift the LF from the frame w/ a jack till the LF tire is almost off the ground. This will expose
as much of the strut as possible. There is a plastic protective sleeve around the upper portion
of the strut shaft.(inside the spring) If you can't see the shiny surface of the strut shaft your'e
pretty much SOL on this part. (unless you can aim the WD-40 "straw" up into the area and manage
to hit it)
If you can see the LF strut shaft you might try spraying WD-40 on the shaft. The WD-40
will run down the shaft and onto and hopefully into the top of the strut to the seal there. Remove the jack.
If the seal is just dry the sound will go away but may return later. At least you'll know what it is.
As for greasing ball joints, the OEM joints are sealed and are equipped w/ a steel ball and unfotunately a
polyurethane "cup" that it rides in. When the polyurethane and OEM grease dry out, here comes the squeek.
The only way I've seen this done is with a 2" grease "needle". (parts store trip) Attach the needle to a grease
gun and insert it through the joints rubber boot (preferably from the rearmost direction) and fill with as much
grease as it will take. Cool thing is when you remove the needle from the boot, the rubber tends to close the
hole up on it's own. If any excess grease is in there it will bleed out. Wipe the excess off and go to the other side.
It will probably be dry also. This grease will need a few days maybe to work it's way in so be patient.
This technique works for the outer tie rod ends also. You'll tend to hear them more when you turn the steering
wheel. Could do those while your doing the other joints.
Well, there's my 50 cents.
GT
