My 2000 4Runner has the worst sqweak I have ever heard and it is getting worse! It seems to be coming from the passenger's side front wheel. At first I only noticed it here and there, but lately, it has become louder and more consistent. I can't hear it when I rev, but I can hear it very clearly when braking, coasting or slow idling. It is definitely something with the suspension or chasis, because I can hear it when I get in and out of the car or rock the car up and down. I asked my mechanic about it (a long time Toyota man himself) and his response was, "well those things are so hard to pin down, but we will lube it up." I'm not sure what he was lubing, but it was not my truck! Any thoughts or ideas on what it could be?? I would appreciate the help! Thanks!

 

Balljoints

 

wheel bearing

 

Had same prob replaced wheel bearings ended up bein upper balljoint

 

Possibly the ball socket on the stabalizer link.

Have somebody rock the car side to side or however you can make the noise, and get under and feel around for what is creaking.

 

Does this noise mean that ball joint or socket is going bad, or just needs lubricated??

 

Try spraying your swaybar bushings with a lubricant. If the squeak temporarily goes away, replace your swaybay bushings at about $10 each.

 

Diagnosis is swaybar bushings...The one on the passengers side is completely torn through the rubber mount - result: metal on metal. Thanks for the suggestion MechE!