Ok - it's cold outside. Could that be the reason that my fairly new Outlander (2005 AWD XLS) is squeaking? The squeak is coming from the right rear suspension assembly - could be the springs/shocks *(I'm not too technical). It sounds like I'm sitting on a squeaky bed, and it happens when I drive over even the smallest of bumps, sometimes on larger bumps I hear the same noise from the right front as well. I have just noticed it, so I haven't seen the dealer yet - any advice on what I could say that may motivate them to fix the problem? I have a suspicion that they'll claim it's normal.....

One of the reasons I bought a new car, was to get rid of my previous squeak machine (but that car had 120 000 kms - I certainly hope that these squeaks are not something I have to learn to live with . Not this soon!

So I take it no one else has had squeaky shocks that early? Hmph :huh:

this happend to me, but it comes and goes...

usually comes after heavy rain, but then goes away after some dry days

I have actually noticed that the noise is accentuated when the humidity is higher. What would that indicate I wonder?

might be possible that it needs to be re lubed?

thats just a random guess though, but it seems logical

I have an 04 with 60,000 miles and I have just started to notice this as well and it does seem to come with moisture.

60000 miles is one thing 3000 miles is another story!! :00000732:

Same problem on my 04 outlander.I had a mechanic on another forum tell me that a bushing used in the rear suspension is the problem.A fairly common problem for us Canadians(wasnt designed properly for our winters).I hope the squeak stops when the weather warms up..really bugs me!I have tried spraing every bushing i can see with lithium grease..but i cant figure out which one it is.Also check your headlights.Lots of the 04 and 05 lenses have what look like scratching on them.Actually hairline cracks that develop over the winter.Have any of those?

Hi Calvin,

Thanks for your post. I'll check the bushing next time i make it to a garage - I live in a cetral urban area, and don't have a garage of my own for reg. maintenance.

I have not seen any hairline cracks on the lenses, but admittedly here in Montreal, it hasn't been that cold. We had only one week down around -20 C but since then it's been spring for that past few weeks. Gross - can't wait for snow. I'll be sure to monitor the lens situation, as well as the shocks/bushings.

Let me know how your making out on the squeak battle(and anything else)and i,ll do the same synchro.I'm over 3 hours from dealer...so im always trying to tackle any minor issues myself.If i at least knew exactly what was squeaking,then i could phone them and find out if it was going to be covered by warranty etc.
Keep in touch.

it is in fact the outboard bushings on the rear lateral arms.

I also have the sqeaky noise from the rear left. Comes and goes though. Just started happening about a week ago. I have an '04 with about 40000km.

Can they dealership fix the problem/replace a part?

Humidity could cause the struts to squeak. Remember, most are gas-charged.

"it is in fact the outboard bushings on the rear lateral arms."

If you are sure that this is what typically causes the squeek, could you either post a picture of one, or tell me where it is located underneath so I can try to lube it with some silicon spray? Thanks

Yeah - a picture would be great! :)

I have no pictures to post...
but its a VERY common issue on any lancer based vehicle (as the outlander is).
the bushing will need to be replaced. Lubing them will accomplish nothing.

EDIT-

I found a pic.
(IMG:http://bsprogs.com/files/7/bushing.JPG)

A further question - it has warmed up a little bit since the original post. The past few days have been relatively dry & sunny. I have not experienced any squeaking over the past few days. I drive on the same roads, with similar conditions and I haven't lubricated anything just yet.

Could the bushing issue be related to cold weather and humidity, or is my squak more likely in the struts?