Hi, I've got a stock '02 that has developed a really bad squeaking noise coming from the rear.
I can replicate the noise by pushing up and down on the trunk. I assume it's the strut. I have lubricated everything(suspension pieces and bushings) with silicone spray with no success. Now I sprayed what I can on the struts and shooting the silicone up the struts, but have not taken off the cover in the trunk to shoot the top part of the strut and I'm thinking that could be it. Any idea how to take apart the interior panels of the trunk?

Noise is really annoying and loud...please help

 

At this point, it may be hard to check for fluid leaks around the struts.
Normally, they're a sealed system, not lubricated from the outside.

If you are seeing that dampening of the force of pushing on the rear is not immediate, the struts are the issue.

Look for metal-to-metal wear across the entire rear end, from wheel to wheel.

Lastly, have it checked out.
It doesn't sound like a safe condition.
Take care of your SC, and it'll keep taking care of you.

Let us know what you find out.

 

Getting to the top of the struts means taking out pretty much all the trim. Its a PITA but easy enough to do. Once you've done it a couple of times it gets easier