Why is the Suspension on My Honda Squeaking?

The suspension system in your Honda is responsible for absorbing energy from the road surface, providing you with a smooth and comfortable ride while keeping your car planted and under control. When all is working as intended, the suspension system should be something that goes largely unnoticed while driving. 

However, it doesn’t always go unnoticed. Even just a single failed component in your suspension system can disrupt the entire vehicle, often causing rough ride quality and an unusual squeaking or rubbing sound when going over bumps or dips in the road. Problems like these can turn driving from an enjoyable experience into an uncomfortable chore.

In this article, we’ll cover why your Honda’s suspension system may be squeaking, how these issues occur, and how you can prevent them in the future!

What Does Suspension Do?

The primary function of the suspension system is to stabilize the vehicle over the uneven surfaces of roads. Even the smoothest freshly paved roads will still have small peaks and valleys that can disrupt the stability of the vehicle.

By keeping the vehicle planted and stable, friction between the tires and the road surface is maximized which in turn increases traction and control. 

Of course, absorbing these road impacts also keeps you and your passengers comfortable. If you’ve ever ridden in a vehicle with stiff or faulty suspension, you’ve probably experienced some of the bumpy ride suspension is intended to mitigate. 

Common Causes of Squeaking Honda Suspension

Worn Out Ball Joints

The rubber ball joints in suspension systems connect the wheel hubs to the control arms, allowing for the wheels to move in relation to the suspension and steering components. By allowing for movement in the suspension, the vehicle is able to better absorb impacts from the road while keeping the tires in solid contact with the surface. 

While this soft rubber allows for smooth suspension movement and impact mitigation, it’s also susceptible to rips or cracking due to wear and weather exposure over time. When a ball joint fails, you may hear a rubbing or squeaking sound when driving over uneven road surfaces. 

If the ball joint fails completely, it can even lead to the loss of a wheel while driving. Worn ball joints should always be taken seriously and addressed as soon as possible to avoid potential failure. If you notice this unusual sound or a change in your suspension’s driving dynamics, you should have your Honda inspected by a trusted automotive professional to ensure your safety while driving. 

Lack of Lubrication

The moving components of suspension systems, such as shocks and struts, rely on proper lubrication to move smoothly and prevent excess friction. Over time, the original lubricant on these components can degrade, leaving your moving parts without enough to adequately mitigate friction, which may cause issues such as a squeaking noise or subpar ride quality.

Luckily, lubricant can be easily reapplied by a mechanic and return your Honda’s suspension components to moving as they should. 

Faulty Shock Absorbers

As the name implies, the shock absorbers take the brunt of the impact from dips and bumps in the road. With consistent use and regular driving, these shocks can begin to wear and sag. This is often due to corrosion, impact damage, or leaking hydraulic fluid. Without the energy absorption between the road and chassis, you’ll likely begin hearing worrying noises as your suspension bottoms and takes harder impacts. 

Worn Bushings

Suspension systems use a variety of soft rubber bushings to absorb impacts and energy in multiple areas of the chassis. Though this rubber material works great for impact absorption, it isn’t the most durable and may experience wear, cracking, or degradation similar to rubber ball joints.

These worn bushings may produce squeaking or rubbing sounds while driving, and could alter the vehicle’s handling dynamics in a concerning way.

Suspension Services at Micro Import Service

No matter the symptoms you’re experiencing with your Honda’s suspension, the import vehicle experts at Micro Import Service have the expertise and experience to properly diagnose, service, and repair your issue! Give us a call or schedule online today with our friendly team and specially-trained technicians.