Alfa156 suspension squeak AGAIN

All of sudden the annoying front suspension squeak came back. Even though the 156 is notorious for the durability of its front suspension, it is just extremely annoying when it did occur. From the video clip, you can hear how bad it is.

The squeak was so loud and basically be always be there. It means that any travel of the suspension would cause the squeak.

I checked the time at that I changed the control arm. It was only 2 years and 5 months ago. At that time, I replaced both the upper and lower control arm. It seems those arms start squeaking for every 2 years.

Previous front control arms replacement article

Alfa156 front control arms replacement

Causes of the suspension squeak

My mechanic inspected the suspension, it turned out the front anti-roll bar bushing and the lower suspension arms were the source of the squeak. I was surprised to hear the anti-roll bar bushing. The bushing is PU made and is said to be life-long lasting……it is an absolute headache to replace them……Damn

Tired original Eibach Bushing creating suspension squeak — Tired original Eibach Bushing

The proven solution

As a result, I went to Internet and Youtube to look for information about the bushing. I found that not many brands carry the size of the Eibach anti-roll bar. One is the famous Powerflex, another one is a PU bushing specialist in Australia, call SuperPro. From what it says, it seems that their bushes are less fond of producing squeak. More important, it has an authorised dealer here. As expected, the dealer didn’t have stock for such a minority brand and model here. Placed an order and got the bushing in 2 week. I have it installed in 2016, now is 2022, it is definitely a brand I’d recommend. The only drawback is that SuperPro does not offer other bushings for the Alfa Romeo 156

Regarding the lower control arms, I recalled reading a post from an Alfisti forum in Taiwan mentioned a solution without replacing the arm. I mentioned to my mechanic, grad that he immediately grabbed the idea and agreed to do it for me.

Grease injection valve — The grease injection valve

Adding grease to the lower control arm — Adding grease

Same case like the anti-roll bar bushing, It has been almost 6 years since I had this device installed, I added grease to the lower arms every year. it works well.

By doing both of the measures. the suspension was back to its quiet mode. To look back, it remained silence for almost 5 years till I had to replace the upper arms again with the squeak coming back.

Oct 2016