Squeaky Struts?

I have a '90 Civic and the rear struts seem to be squeaking. Is this the
struts proper or the various rubber mounting components? Basically, is
there any solution other than replacing the struts? I'm be fine with taking
things apart and replacing the isolators but would rather not replace struts
unless required. Any other solutions?

Thanks much!
Dave

 

Squeaks from the front and rear suspensions of Hondas,
especially c. 1990 are common.

As an introduction to the possible causes, groups.google for
the following:

squeaky (strut OR suspension) (Honda OR Accord OR Civic)

In summary, it could be bushings, parts of the spring coils
rubbing against their mounts, more.

I have found rear suspension components of my 91 Civic
particularly difficult to disassemble. Bushings, for
example, are frozen to bolts such that torches and serious
cutting tools are needed to free them. (This too has been
amply discussed here for the rear suspension.) I am
refurbishing my front suspension right now, and so far am
not having the same problems.

OTOH, my 91 Civic was driven for half its life in the
Northern U.S. those salty roads and all that moisture in
winter couldn't have helped.

 

If you can isolate the squeak to a rubber component, you can buy some
time by squirting some brake fluid on the offending part...

JT