ATVs take a lot of abuse and go just about anywhere from dirt, sand to even mud.
Over time one can start to squeak when it’s moving or when you get on and off it.
Your machine squeaking when moving is often a sign the suspension needs to be greased and lubricated. The process to stop the squeaking is simple, but does require specific tools that are easy to get.
What You Need To Stop Your ATV Suspension From Squeaking
Here is the list of tools and items you need to stop your ATV suspension from squeaking.
- Grease gun with flexible tip. (ad)
- Marine-grade grease.
- Silicone Spray Lube. (ad)
- A jack and jack stands.
- Wheel chocks to keep ATV from rolling when you jack it up.
Best Grease For ATV Suspension
The best grease to use for your ATV or side by side will be marine-grade grease.
I like the STAR BRITE White Lithium Grease (ad), but everyone has their own grease they like to use. Just make sure it’s lithium-based grease. When in doubt, consult your owner’s manual as they often have a part number for the exact grease you should use that the manufacturers like.
Also, the best grease is fresh grease, so you need to grease these bearings often. We’ll talk more about this later.
How To Grease ATV Fittings And Bushings
Your ATV will have several grease fittings, often located at pivot points of the a-arm and frame.
For the exact locations, check your owner’s manual.
You must get a grease gun with a flexible tip, as these grease fittings are often in hard-to-reach spots.
This video below will show you how to grease your ATV suspension.
Apply enough grease until you see the grease start to come out and then stop; there is no need to keep going once you see grease come out. Use shop towels to clean up the mess and to keep it off your garage floors.
Don’t forget to spray silicone lubricant spray on the bushings of the suspension. These bushings dry out quickly and often cause a lot of the squeaking you hear. Avoid spray near the brake pads, as that can really mess up your stopping power and be dangerous. You want to avoid regular WD-40 and use silicone spray as it sticks around longer.
How Often To Grease ATV Suspension
You need to grease your suspension and bushings every 50 hours or after a wet ride.
The best grease is fresh grease, so greasing your machine often is a good thing.
If you ride through a mud hole, it’s important not only to grease your vehicle beforehand but also afterward. Water is detrimental as it can rapidly wear out the bushings and bearings if these fittings are not regularly greased.
You should also grease the suspension when you start to hear it squeaking.
Rebuild Or Replace ATV Suspension
I like rebuilding or replacing the suspension of my quad every 4,000 miles or about every 5 years, whichever comes first.
Some guys like to rebuild, but you need special spring compression tools, and to me, it’s not worth it.
I rather buy aftermarket suspension as you can get them already assemble, and it’s an easy install.
Taking the shocks off is simple; it’s often two bolts. You just need to jack it up and pop them off.
There are a few ATVs with air-ride suspensions, but it’s just its airline you need to mess with that is extra, and it’s not hard.
Other Causes To Keep In Mind
It’s possible that it’s not the suspension causing your ATV to squeak when moving.
Dirt getting stuck between your brake pad and rotor can also cause squeaking when moving. This can go away over time as the dirt gets worn out, or the brakes get wet and they dry out.
Also, worn-out brake pads can cause a squeak when moving. Brake pads are set up to cause an awful squeaking sound when they’re worn out, so you must replace them when you start to hear that.
Worn-out ball joints and tie rods can also cause squeaking.
If the squeaking happens when the engine is on, it could also be the belt causing it.
You’ll know it’s the suspension causing the squeaking by just putting weight on the ATV, and it may be even more noticeable when riding and going over bumps.