squeaky umi uca

Just installed a umi adjustable uca. I lube up the sides with silicone lube. Torqued to 150 ft lbs. Added a few shots of superlube. Now I have this squeak that won't go away. Any ideas?

Does that particular piece not have grease Zerks to accept grease? Or is that what you meant by silicone Lube?

I would add some more grease to the zerks. I know I put 5 or more full squeezes in and still had to go back and put a few more in later.

JUSTA3V: Yes it does have a Zerk fitting. I used the supplied Prothane grease on the sides and about 5 shots of silicone Superlube.

lemkau77: I put in about 5 shots also. My grease gun is not a full size, its a mini. Worried about putting in to much. I'll put in another 2 or 3 and see what happens.

Don't add more grease, you could damage the bushing. I would ride it out for a few miles and give the grease some time to work its way around the sleeve. If it's still squeaky after a couple hundred miles, get in touch with UMI. It's not uncommon for poly to make a little noise when new.

BMR Tech 2 said:

Don't add more grease, you could damage the bushing. I would ride it out for a few miles and give the grease some time to work its way around the sleeve. If it's still squeaky after a couple hundred miles, get in touch with UMI. It's not uncommon for poly to make a little noise when new.

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You're no fun. I was going to suggest replacing it with a BMR piece and if that didn't work then return to stock.

skwerl said:

You're no fun. I was going to suggest replacing it with a BMR piece and if that didn't work then return to stock.

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Or just replace it with a BMR UCA

I have the exact same issue with my UMI uca. Been that way for almost a year now. I knew poly squeaks so I just wrote it off as par for the course. Lower UMI arms are super quiet so it may just be an issue with their upper.

Something that I have seen many times, is a Poly Bushed UCA squeaking badly if the sleeve for the bolt sits inside the bushing.

In this situation, the clamping force of the UCA to UCA Mount bolt will compress the bushing and cause contradictory pivoting.

Pivoting of the UCA assembly should be done primarily by the inner metal sleeve in the bushing pivoting inside the bushing. If the sleeve is on the narrow side, the entire bushing housing can/tries to pivot around the entire bushing. This builds up heat and friction and causes that old box spring mattress groan sound.

OP, it may be a good idea to pull the UCA off and make sure the sleeve does not sit inside the bushing ends (too short) - IF it does, you may want to acquire a longer sleeve.

If you notice the sleeve is too short, and want to confirm whether or not it is the issue...you can remove the bushing from the UCA and check for heat/friction marks in the main bushing housing. Typically this will be shown by distorted and shiny surface area (powdercoat will not look right)

If you need any help, we are always here to help.


Good luck.

I was contemplating removing it. I just might do that. I'm thinking it could possibly be something to do with the UMI Stepped Spacers. If i replace the control arm mount with the matching one from UMI that will eliminate the need for spacers. I can also have look at the the inner sleeve.