1997 Honda Accord squeaking- probably the u-joint

[quote:6ac1173900="maggieR"]Noises problem
1997 Honda Accord 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 142000 miles

My car makes squeaking noises when people sit down in it (when weight is applied per se) and going very slowly over bumps in the road. Once I speed up the noise can't be heard but I'm sure it's still there. From everything I've read on your website it seems like it is probably the universal joint. What I want to know is what can happen if it's not replaced soon (i.e.will my car suddenly fall apart while driving or will it go out of control and I won't be able to steer it)? And how much that would normally cost to fix. I'm leaving on a 1200 mile drive in three days and don't have the time or $$ until I get to where I'm going to fix it. Will I be safe?[/quote:6ac1173900]

Hello,

Your vehicle does not have U-Joints, it has CV Joints and when they start going bad you would hear a clicking sound coming from the front end and either from the right or left side depending which one was going bad.

Since it squeaks while vehicle is sitting still while you get into the vehicle it is most likely something with the Suspension, either the lower control arm bushings or the strut.

Here is what you do...

With a can of spray lube in hand starting at either front tire. Look behind the wheel were the wheel is connected, the lower part of the wheel look for any and all rubber looking parts. Spray one at a time and bounce the vehicle continue doing this untill you don't hear the squeak. Once that happens you have found the bushing that needs replacing.

Post findings....


.

Without a doubt, you will kareem off the road and into the grand canyon....LOL....

IF the noise happens when a passenger gets in, it is something suspension related and would not likley be a saftey concern.

A U-joint is most typical in a rear wheel drive car/truck although Jeep has some in front.

I doubt there is a concern, but stop by the Mechanic that you are loyal to and he would give you a better idea.