Richard my guess is that the offending noises are coming from the interface
between 2 metal parts moving against each other rather than the "rubber"
itself. Rubber bushings should flex within the rubber and not allow the
metal sleeves that are bonded to them to move about the bolt that travels
through the sleeve. An exception might be the upper control arm bushings
which may be turning in the control arms or turning about the pivot pin.
It's safe to lubricate rubber bushings with a lubricant made for rubber.
Don't use an oil based lubricant as oil and Natural Rubber don't get along
very well.
The first thing that I'd suggest is to go over every joint and make sure
they are tight. Next I'd try some spray type product (I don't have a brand
in mind) from your trusted Auto Parts Stores. A NAPA Store may be a good
place to start.
One other item to consider are the Trunions which are to be greased
periodically along with the trunion pins which are not rubber isolated and
can be sprayed with a lubricant.
Hope this helps.
JVV
----- Original Message -----
From: "richard triplett" <rtriplett25@yahoo.com>
To: <triumphs@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, October 23, 2006 2:16 PM
Subject: [TR] Oh, that creaking and squeaking....
> Offending car is a 1960 TR3A (TS75434)....
>
> I rebuilt the front suspension on the TR3 two years ago. Replaced all the
bushings with plain ol' rubber stuff and it drove nicely for the first year.
After waking the car up from it's slumber this Spring it protested by
emitting loud squeeks and creaks from the front suspension. Particularly the
driver's side. Thinking it might go away, I drove it a fair amount. It has
stayed the same, maybe a little worse. You can get some good volume
squeeking by simply pushing down on the front fender. I pulled the wheels
and checked everything over for looseness or the bushings starting to
flatten or wear out already. Everything still looks new.
>
> I really don't want to pull the upper and lower control arms to lube the
bushings, and I seem to remember this is not a good idea for the rubber
bushings anyway as it breaks them down quickly. Any quick and easy
suggestions for dampening this squeeking?
>
> Thanks, Richard
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