Creaking noise from rear?

[johnrhopkins]

Ok, first let me say that I've found several posts about similar issues. None really answered my question.

The noise I'm hearing is what I'd describe as a creaking noise from the rear. I only hear it when taking slow, relatively sharp turns like in a parking lot.

What I'm wondering is; What are the usual suspects? Is there a surefire way to narrow down the source of the issue?

[rlbruce64]

Usual suspect is the trailing arms


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[Anker]

Originally Posted by rlbruce64

Usual suspect is the trailing arms


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Not for creaking when turning. Sounds more like dry shock absorbers.

Try pushing down on the fenders and see if you can reproduce the noise. You may need a friend to get enough force.

[SteelStroke]

New Bilstein B6's will solve that issue :-P

[johnrhopkins]

Originally Posted by SteelStroke

New Bilstein B6's will solve that issue :-P

I was looking at those as a possible solution.

[johnrhopkins]

I've been out of town a LOT lately. I finally got a chance to take it to my mechanic before I bought new shocks. He said with a great degree of certainty that the noise was coming from the ball joint on the passenger side. So, I've ordered a new set of lower control arms. I'll post back with the outcome after I get them installed.

[johnrhopkins]

The verdict is in. The issue was the ball joint in the rear passenger lower control arm. Once we got it out we found that it was completely seized. We went ahead and replaced both the rear LCAs and noted that the boot on the left side was torn... so, I'm glad we replaced both.

[RandallNeighbour]

BTW, folks, pushing down on the fenders can dent the fenders.

My solution is a lot more fun. I get the wife to stand in the frunk or trunk and jump up and down while I inspect by the side of the car. Even if I don't find the source of the squeak it was worth it.

[johnrhopkins]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

Even if I don't find the source of the squeak it was worth it.

Haha! Yes, we did try that. It was entertaining, to say the least.

[Neeno]

Any updates about this? Did you replace the old shocks with Bilstein or have you found another issue?

[johnrhopkins]

Originally Posted by Neeno

Any updates about this? Did you replace the old shocks with Bilstein or have you found another issue?

Dang, I thought I had posted the outcome here already. Sorry about that.

So, the culprit was the ball joint on the passenger side lower control arm. I replaced both LCAs and the noises are mostly gone. I'm just now starting to hear a similar but very faint sound. I'll be checking the other ball joints soon.