170k miles on this rig.

Narrowed this creak/squeak to rear drivers control arm area... Thought at first it was a bushing or rear sway bar but the creak is really felt most strongly on the coil or on parts of the shock itself. Somewhat felt when touching the lower control arm as well, but strongest when touching the coil or shock.

Have never heard a shock fail with this type of noise, but seems to be the case based on where it's felt strongest. Suppose it could also be the spring insulator or maybe even a small crack in the spring?

link:
Anyway I will replace here soon and advise. If this noise/issue triggers any nuggets of wisdom from anyone I'd be glad to hear other input too.

thanks...

 

To me it sounds like the upper shock mount or the shock itself.

 

Yeah, I do believe you're right. Feeling around up top there I can definitely feel the 'creak' strongest on that shock top nut.

Given the mileage I have been researching the purchase for shocks all-around, might do rear pair first then front pair later to spread out the $$ a bit...

Question: While it's definitely easier to just replace the whole coil/shock assembly as a unit, is there any reason to do so or is the shock replacement sufficient by itself? With 170k+ miles, wasn't sure if I should be doing both (would rather not to save $$ and go with some premium shocks - unless I'm shooting myself in the foot by not replacing the entire assembly...)

I guess if it's the shock mount, then may as well do the assembly (or just replace that top piece along w/the shock)...

Appreciate it...

 

Unless you can compress the spring, just get the whole strut assembly. Sounds like you are going to, but make sure you replace them as pairs

 

Believe it or not, it's actually no more expensive to replace the whole assembly. In many cases it can be much less to replace the whole assembly when you figure in having to also replace the upper mount.