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Squeaking suspension on speed bumps and inner door handle trim query

253 views 9 replies 6 participants last post by  PaulR79  
#1 ·
I've had the suspension squeaking for a while but at first it only did it when it had rained heavily and then stopped over the next few days as it dried. Lately we've had a lot more rain so the noise is pretty persistent and now after 2 dry days it hasn't reduced at all. Initially it was only the front but now it sounds like it's both front and rear. It only happens when I go over speed bumps so it isn't happening just driving but when it first happened I asked for it to be checked (free check) while the car was having a new battery and wheel bearing fitted.

They said they found nothing but it has gotten worse since. Did they miss something or am I worrying over nothing? I will add that I had the car washed yesterday, jet wash and immediately afterwards the noise was drastically reduced. Today after I started the car up the first speed bump I went over it was back to being obnoxiously loud.

The second thing I don't want to spam the forums with extra posts. The car is in very good condition for being 10 years old but a few things are rough like the alloys (scuffed in places) and the rear inner door handle trims. The one in the photo is the worst but both are pretty bad. I'd be tempted to do a dirty job with a marker but the black spots in the photo are chips in the plastic. Does anyone know where I could get replacements? They don't have to be grey / silver, black would do.
 

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#2 ·
The E12 front anti roll bar bushes are known for squeaking. Mine have been doing it for the 6 years that I've owned it.
Always on speed bumps, although mine only kick off during the winter months (below 16°c) which I put down to contraction of the rubber. On the plus side it's never failed it's MOT, but it is annoying.
I've read that some owners have replaced the bushes to fix the issue and allegedly the new one's are an improved specification (if they're genuine Nissan parts)
I've never had a squeak from the rear of the car.
 
#6 · (Edited)
I'm not 100% sure it is front and rear. I wasn't paying full attention so I'll have to listen carefully. It might've been a case of thinking it was the rear when it was actually the front touching down after leaving the speed bump. Time will tell but I have a good idea what to check now thanks to you and tango. Thank you :)

Edit: Small edit to confirm it is only the front squeaking. There's a place I go where the speed bumps are generous enough that I was able to tell 100% it's only the front.
 
#4 ·
Re squeak: My bet is also the anti-roll bar bushings. They are cheap to buy, so won't break the bank.

Re door handle: You are unlikely to find them anywhere because I don't see them listed in the parts manual, unless you replace the entire thing. You might find reasonable success by sanding them down and repainting them with dashboard or plastic paint.
 
#5 ·
I have no way to jack the car up to check but I'm sure I can get a local garage to check. Found one that seems to be decent and won't rip people off which is the best you can get really.

I asked elsewhere and have searched for the door trim myself. It'll probably not surprise you that buying the entire door from a breaker is cheaper than just the trim itself. I'll likely do what you and others have suggested - mask it off, sand it down and paint it.
 
#7 ·
A small moan, the pic is poor quality on my phone.

However, I does look like everyday interior plastic.

Easy to mask off and refresh with a spray of paint after filling on the nicks on plastic.

I used to ride motorbikes.

Lots of faded plastics in bike world.

Only thing I found that worked long term
was vinyl spray paint from Halfords, etc.

Used on the big Suzuki & a Piaggio scooter dashboard.

Super surprised how well and durable it
was , considering the continuous outdoor existence, and no residue coming off it once dried.

Might be worth checking out
 
#10 ·
A small moan, the pic is poor quality on my phone.

However, I does look like everyday interior plastic.

Easy to mask off and refresh with a spray of paint after filling on the nicks on plastic.

I used to ride motorbikes.

Lots of faded plastics in bike world.

Only thing I found that worked long term
was vinyl spray paint from Halfords, etc.

Used on the big Suzuki & a Piaggio scooter dashboard.

Super surprised how well and durable it
was , considering the continuous outdoor existence, and no residue coming off it once dried.

Might be worth checking out
The photo was poor quality. I kept forgetting to take one when I was in the car and suddenly remembered while I was out yesterday. The sun was not in a cooperative mood!

I think I got into the mindset of just replacing it because it looks so insignificant and small. Then I saw that someone was trying to sell one for a ridiculous price. I think given your advice and other's advice I'll either try filling the nicks and painting or filling and just putting a wrap over it.

Thanks for the suggestion on Halfords spray. I seem to be spending more in there than I thought so it might be time for that premium membership lol