husker1223 wrote:Since installing the trd sway bar, my suspension makes a creaking noise going over bumps. It sounds something like a set of old springs or styrofoam rubbing together. Any ideas on what is causing this?
I installed my TRD RSB myself (on 9/1/04) using the silicone grease supplied with it and as soon as it got cold here it started to squeak as you have described.
The bottom line is that the silicone grease supplied with the TRD RSB sucks in cold weather applications (it hardens when it gets cold). It is also interesting to note that my stock RSB bushings were not lubed with a silicone based grease but rather a white (probably lithium based) grease.
Mobil 1 Synthetic Grease is by far the best for this application. It has an operating range of -37ºC (-35ºF) to +232ºC (+450ºF). For more info see:
http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lubes/ ... Grease.asp
I have had no squeaking problems ever since I re-lubed my TRD RSB bushings with Mobil 1 grease over a year ago. I have used the car when it was 4ºF outside and there was absolutely NO squeaking from the bushings. You can buy a can of it for about $5 from auto parts stores like Pep Boys, etc.
Here's a tip... the silicone lube is a pain in the a$$ to remove from the bar and the bushings especially if its cold. I found that WD40 does a great job of removing the old silicone lube.