Upper control arm squeak!
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Joined: January 28, 2005
Posts: 163
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From: Douglassville, PA
Upper control arm squeak!
I had the rear upper control arm replaced recently from the stock one to a BMR non adjustable one. The past month or so it developed a really annoying squeaking whenever the car moves or goes over bumps, brought it back to Ford who replaced it and said it's normal with the bushings and the cold temperatures.. I can hear it from under the back seats when I drive and it's irritating! The stock one was quiet but was shot, the car has 190k on it. Has anyone else have this kind of problem with an UCA squeak and how did they resolve it??
Thanks!
Thanks!
Last edited by OneCoolGT; Mar 7, 2025 at 10:51 PM.
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Joined: November 27, 2004
Posts: 12,584
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From: Visalia Ca.
For Some Reference Here is The Install Vid!
Did They at Least Try & Regrease Fitting?? I Would Check To See If Fitting Was Installed Correctly Just Because as Well! Improper Torque on Front Mounting Bolt May Cause Squeaking as Well. Spraying Some White Grease or Silcone Spray on Area Of Bracket Where it Meets Red Bushing Outer Both Sides Could Confirm if Noise is Coming From That Area!
KC
Did They at Least Try & Regrease Fitting?? I Would Check To See If Fitting Was Installed Correctly Just Because as Well! Improper Torque on Front Mounting Bolt May Cause Squeaking as Well. Spraying Some White Grease or Silcone Spray on Area Of Bracket Where it Meets Red Bushing Outer Both Sides Could Confirm if Noise is Coming From That Area!
KC
Thread Starter
Legacy TMS Member

Joined: January 28, 2005
Posts: 163
Likes: 4
From: Douglassville, PA
Thanks for the replies, I'm gonna recheck the bolt and see if they torqued it down properly. The UCA has a grease fill fitting on it, they said it was full so I'm hoping it's just the colder temps that is making it squeak..
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Joined: November 27, 2004
Posts: 12,584
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From: Visalia Ca.
Back in the 90's I Was a Jeep Parts Manager & We Did a Lot of Custom Wranglers With Lift Kits! We Learned Quick This Was The Go To on The Bushings For Smoothness! It Took Some Thought Before I Recalled This Info As My Noodle Has a Huge But Hard To Access Database! 
I Remember The First 4 Cyl Jeep We Tried To Put a 3 Inch Lift Kit On After Doing Some 6 Cylinder Ones Which Had a Heavier Engine. That Four Cylinder Would Not Budge on The Suspension Till We Took The Leaf Spring Bushings Out & Coated With This Miracle Goo! So Yes Bushings Can Be Sticky!
KC
One of The Reviews From Amazon!
Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2022
This grease solved a huge problem on my corvette suspension. It eliminated a squeaky rear suspension which had been an issue for years. Tried many different products, none worked, this grease DOES work. Highly recommend.

I Remember The First 4 Cyl Jeep We Tried To Put a 3 Inch Lift Kit On After Doing Some 6 Cylinder Ones Which Had a Heavier Engine. That Four Cylinder Would Not Budge on The Suspension Till We Took The Leaf Spring Bushings Out & Coated With This Miracle Goo! So Yes Bushings Can Be Sticky!
KC
One of The Reviews From Amazon!
Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2022
This grease solved a huge problem on my corvette suspension. It eliminated a squeaky rear suspension which had been an issue for years. Tried many different products, none worked, this grease DOES work. Highly recommend.
Yep that can be par for the course with urethane bushings unfortunately. I had some sequeaking problems with the Energy Suspension grease (got the little tubes with the various parts), thought I might need more grease, but couldn't find whole cans of it for a grease gun. So I went with Valvoline full synthetic since they have it at parts stores. It's worked pretty well for me over the last 15 years.
Now you want to talk squeaks --- I have BMR front control arms with Delrin bushings -- they say they're self lubricating, but they sounded like a rusty door any time the suspension flexed -- over a bump, around a curve, heck even when you'd get in the car! I tried to ride it out to see if they'd self lubricate and it'd go away but after a month I couldn't take it anymore. I used the Valvoline in a grease gun again (being very easy on the pressure, didn't know if overdoing it would crack the Delrin). Been quiet ever since.
Now you want to talk squeaks --- I have BMR front control arms with Delrin bushings -- they say they're self lubricating, but they sounded like a rusty door any time the suspension flexed -- over a bump, around a curve, heck even when you'd get in the car! I tried to ride it out to see if they'd self lubricate and it'd go away but after a month I couldn't take it anymore. I used the Valvoline in a grease gun again (being very easy on the pressure, didn't know if overdoing it would crack the Delrin). Been quiet ever since.
Thread Starter
Legacy TMS Member

Joined: January 28, 2005
Posts: 163
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From: Douglassville, PA
I have the polyurethane bushings in a lot of other parts and they don't squeak at all, makes me wonder if the bushing is bad or loose/overtight? If I do grease it up how hard or easy is it to do? Can I just undo the bolt under the seat and drop it down or does it have to come out of the car?
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Joined: November 27, 2004
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From: Visalia Ca.
Here is Some Shop Manual Pdf's As an FYI!
Of Note, Ford Says Bolts are One Use! So Dealer Should Have Installed New Hardware! Make Sure They Did! Would Be Listed on repair Order Unless You Supplied! And Check Out The High Torque Value on Arm Bracket!
KC
Of Note, Ford Says Bolts are One Use! So Dealer Should Have Installed New Hardware! Make Sure They Did! Would Be Listed on repair Order Unless You Supplied! And Check Out The High Torque Value on Arm Bracket!
KC
Thread Starter
Legacy TMS Member

Joined: January 28, 2005
Posts: 163
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From: Douglassville, PA
Thanks for that info! Why is the bolt a one time use? Not sure if they replaced it or not, I have to find that out.. this noise is driving me nuts, seems to be getting more pronounced the more I drive the car!
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Joined: November 27, 2004
Posts: 12,584
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From: Visalia Ca.
https://rts.i-car.com/crn-1550.html
One-Time-Use Parts And Fasteners
What is a one-time-use part, and how do you determine if a fastener, clip, or part can be reused? These are questions that we are confronted with in the collision industry quite a lot. The other big question is "Where do I find this information?"
As the Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team researches OEMs for one-time-use fastener/part information, we are putting together a series of articles on how and where to locate this information for specific OEMs.
One-time-use fasteners/parts are specific items that cannot be reused after they have been loosened or removed. Types of one-time-use fasteners/parts include certain bolts, clips, trim, etc. They can even include stationary glass.
Most OEMs have at least one example of a one-time-use fastener/part. The reason it is only good for one use can vary. For example, torque-to-yield bolts are designed to stretch during the torquing process. These fasteners cannot be reused because of the excess amount of stress that was caused during installation. Some fasteners may have to be replaced due to a factory applied coating that prevents corrosion. In other cases, a part or fastener, such as a rivet, is simply impossible to remove without damaging it.
One-time-use parts and fasteners that appear to be uncompromised may look good but should not be reused. In addition, if new fasteners are supplied with a replacement part...use them.
Following OEM procedures, including the identification and use of one-time-use fasteners/parts, is important in order to help ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.
One-Time-Use Parts And Fasteners
What is a one-time-use part, and how do you determine if a fastener, clip, or part can be reused? These are questions that we are confronted with in the collision industry quite a lot. The other big question is "Where do I find this information?"
As the Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team researches OEMs for one-time-use fastener/part information, we are putting together a series of articles on how and where to locate this information for specific OEMs.
One-time-use fasteners/parts are specific items that cannot be reused after they have been loosened or removed. Types of one-time-use fasteners/parts include certain bolts, clips, trim, etc. They can even include stationary glass.
Most OEMs have at least one example of a one-time-use fastener/part. The reason it is only good for one use can vary. For example, torque-to-yield bolts are designed to stretch during the torquing process. These fasteners cannot be reused because of the excess amount of stress that was caused during installation. Some fasteners may have to be replaced due to a factory applied coating that prevents corrosion. In other cases, a part or fastener, such as a rivet, is simply impossible to remove without damaging it.
One-time-use parts and fasteners that appear to be uncompromised may look good but should not be reused. In addition, if new fasteners are supplied with a replacement part...use them.
Following OEM procedures, including the identification and use of one-time-use fasteners/parts, is important in order to help ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.
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Joined: November 27, 2004
Posts: 12,584
Likes: 4,339
From: Visalia Ca.
UPDATED DUE TO ONE ERROR!
As Per Mad Gt Request PM Here are Some Oem Part Numbers!
Oem Control Arm
4 Upper Arm 6r3z-5500-a
https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...tra2=&filter=()
As Per Pdf Bolts Number 1-6
1 https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...8795-s439.html
2 https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...0215-s440.html
3 https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...0443-s439.html
4 See above
5 https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...1075-s439.html
6 https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...0947-s439.html
FORD Does Not Show Bolt Used For Attaching Aftermarket Arm To Factory Bracket.
Ford Hardware Numbers are Goofy. They Show Partial Part Numbers in Shop Manual and Also Can Update To Entire Different part Number. Also Be Advised Sometimes You Only Need One Bolt and End Up Buying a Package Quantity.
KC
I Had To Go to 2010 Shop Manual To Get Updated Partial Numbers. Same Setup!
As Per Mad Gt Request PM Here are Some Oem Part Numbers!
Oem Control Arm
4 Upper Arm 6r3z-5500-a
https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...tra2=&filter=()
As Per Pdf Bolts Number 1-6
1 https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...8795-s439.html
2 https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...0215-s440.html
3 https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...0443-s439.html
4 See above
5 https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...1075-s439.html
6 https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...0947-s439.html
FORD Does Not Show Bolt Used For Attaching Aftermarket Arm To Factory Bracket.
Ford Hardware Numbers are Goofy. They Show Partial Part Numbers in Shop Manual and Also Can Update To Entire Different part Number. Also Be Advised Sometimes You Only Need One Bolt and End Up Buying a Package Quantity.
KC
I Had To Go to 2010 Shop Manual To Get Updated Partial Numbers. Same Setup!
Administrator clevparts@aol.com





Joined: November 27, 2004
Posts: 12,584
Likes: 4,339
From: Visalia Ca.
As Per Mad Gt Request PM Here are Some Oem Part Numbers!
Oem Control Arm
4 Upper Arm 6r3z-5500-a
https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...tra2=&filter=()
As Per Pdf Bolts Number 1-6
1 https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...8795-s439.html
2 https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...0215-s440.html
3 https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...0443-s439.html
4 See above
5 https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...8795-s439.html
6 https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...0947-s439.html
Not Does Not Show Bolt Used For Attaching Aftermarket Arm To Factory Bracket.
Ford Hardware Numbers are Goofy. They Show Partial Pat Numbers in Shop Manual and Also Can Update To Entire Different part Number. Also Be Advised Sometime You Only Need One Bolt and End Up Buying a Package Quantity.
KC
Oem Control Arm
4 Upper Arm 6r3z-5500-a
https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...tra2=&filter=()
As Per Pdf Bolts Number 1-6
1 https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...8795-s439.html
2 https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...0215-s440.html
3 https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...0443-s439.html
4 See above
5 https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...8795-s439.html
6 https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...0947-s439.html
Not Does Not Show Bolt Used For Attaching Aftermarket Arm To Factory Bracket.
Ford Hardware Numbers are Goofy. They Show Partial Pat Numbers in Shop Manual and Also Can Update To Entire Different part Number. Also Be Advised Sometime You Only Need One Bolt and End Up Buying a Package Quantity.
KC
#1 and #5 are the same?
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Joined: November 27, 2004
Posts: 12,584
Likes: 4,339
From: Visalia Ca.




