I've started to notice a squeak from the right front when I go over speed bumps and other small bumps while driving slowly. Are there any suspension components that need lubed? I'm assuming that since this is a 2003 XK8 the chassis is sealed. What are the obvious things that I can do to try to fix the squeak before I take it to the shop?

Also, when I drive on bumpy roads the steering wheel seems to shake quite a bit. It's not a rotary shake like an unbalanced tire, it's a side-to-side shake. It's not bothersome, and if that's normal then I can live with it. I'm just wondering if it's a sign of something else, such as worn ball joints or something.

Perhaps the squeak and the shake are related. My wife squeaks when I shake her, so maybe this is just something that common to all temperamental objects.

 

Have you looked at the upper shock bushings? This sounds like either shock bushings or sway bar bushings to me.

 

Having been the beneficiary of a complete front end rebuild under a Select Edition warranty I can attest to the fact that a fully functioning suspension system is a wonder to behold.

Shame that that car died at an intersection.

If the suspension is making unexpected noises or has unexpected shakes it can be made better.

 

RF, squeaking, slow speed bumps in the road... yah, sounds like the pre-cursor to a clunk of the sway bar.

Do a search in the forum Sam for 'sway bar bushing' and my thread will pop up.


-- EDIT --

For the side-to-side feeling, check your inner tie rod, mine was recently diagnosed with too much play.