squeaking noise

[bradders07ibiza]

i have a squeaking noise coming from my car. more so in the winter. is that the suspension just playing up because of the cold or does it need replaced. or is it something else. also what can i put in my radiator expansion tank as its well below minimum.

cheers
paul

 

[rf860]

What type of squeaking and from where in the car (front left, rear drivers side etc). Also, why is your expansion tank low on coolant, to me that would indicate that there is a leak somewhere and you should not be driving it when it is low as it will damage the engine by overheating

 

[damiwahn]

I've had a squeaking noise on the front of my car since I've had it. It's worse on the passenger side up front but can hear it on both. It squeaks when stopping going down curbs etc. Had it looked at and was told it was just a dry joint. Common fault maybe?

 

[pjdj]

Its G12 coolant that you'll need for your car, you'll be able to get it from your local dealer..
Not that expensive either!

You'll most likely be able to get an equivalent from halfords too!

 

[bradders07ibiza]

engine temp always sits at 90 so didnt think i needed too. also pretty skint at the moment. do i just open the cap and top it up?

 

[rf860]

you can just top it up with bottled water, but it depends on how low it is, if its really low you will have to put more coolant in as this has anti-freeze in it. Squeaking might be rear wishbone bushes, they are very common on the mk4

 

[pjdj]

Yeah, just turn the cap off and top the level up to the max mark..
Its best to do this when the engine is cold, then you get the true amount of coolant rather than it dropping in the expansion bottle when it warms up..

I'd rather top it up with coolant rather than water personally especially with winter temperatures round the corner!

 

[Blanco92]

It won't be a dry joint causing the issue with your suspension. £10 says it's either your front rear wishbone bushes (consul bushes), your ARB (anti-roll bar) bushes or your ARB itself.

As for coolant, you only need a 50:50 mix of G12 (contains antifreeze) and water. G12 equivalent stuff costs less than a tenner for 5 litres at the Halfords near me. No point not filling it up, if you don't it'll overheat and then you'll have headgasket issues.