Creaky sounds!!

[Kennadian]

I have some creaking coming from under the car when I head down the driveway in the morning. Not really noticeable during the day, just when I set off in the morning. Driveway is down a hill with a curve halfway down. Thoughts or suggestions?

 

[sschooley]

It might be a wheel bearing and Hub Flange. Mine was diagnosed with this issue when I had creaking in turns.

Steve

 

[Kennadian]

Thanks, I'll look further into that. I don't have the confidence in the local Caddie dealer to just have them tell me..... The creaking doesn't change pitch with a higher or slower speed when I go down the driveway, it sounds like a "frame" noise from flexing..... hmmmm.

 

[GizmoQ]

Thanks, I'll look further into that. I don't have the confidence in the local Caddie dealer to just have them tell me..... The creaking doesn't change pitch with a higher or slower speed when I go down the driveway, it sounds like a "frame" noise from flexing..... hmmmm.

If the shocks aren't leaking, my guess would be bushings or spring pads - both are supposed to be greased to prevent squeaks. I replaced my springs this year and initially forgot to grease the bottoms of the pads (the sound of Urethane rubbing on steel was not loud but obnoxious). If its bushings, they've probably failed and need replacing.

 

[Kennadian]

Thanks for the insight. I guess I'm going to have to bite the bullet and take it to the local dealer for a peek. Mine is a low mileage car and doesn't see the dealer much for oil changes, lube jobs, etc, so it might be the simplest solution. Really appreciate the comments.

 

[GizmoQ]

Thanks for the insight. I guess I'm going to have to bite the bullet and take it to the local dealer for a peek. Mine is a low mileage car and doesn't see the dealer much for oil changes, lube jobs, etc, so it might be the simplest solution. Really appreciate the comments.

I just drove mine on a "Drive on" lift and used a bottle jack beneath the farthest reachable point of each spring. Even with weight on the wheels the spring pad will raise off the support. When I was balancing the spring level, I used two small hydraulic jacks: one under the puck to raise the car high enough to get the second (with a 4x4x4 wood block) under the spring and then lower the puck slowly till the spring is off the support.

 

[fcarga]

I think your thoughts about "flexing" may indeed be what you are hearing. The car has settled into a fixed position, and there
can be some "unbinding" or creaking which disappears as the car/suspension starts moving. You may want check the sway bar
bushings etc. if it seems to get noisier. starts doing it all the time and/or affects the car's handling.

 

[GizmoQ]

I think your thoughts about "flexing" may indeed be what you are hearing. The car has settled into a fixed position, and there
can be some "unbinding" or creaking which disappears as the car/suspension starts moving. You may want check the sway bar
bushings etc. if it seems to get noisier. starts doing it all the time and/or affects the car's handling.

If its the sway bar end links, the noise is more of a "clunk."



Don't ask me how I know.......

 

[fcarga]

You are correct, but I was thinking more of dry swaybar bushings as I get to listen
to my "T1" endlinks clink and clunk incessantly!

 

[GizmoQ]

LIKE!!

You are correct, but I was thinking more of dry swaybar bushings as I get to listen
to my "T1" endlinks clink and clunk incessantly!

LIKE!!!