Front End Creaking Noise

yap123 · Post by **yap123** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 4:53 pm

Howdy,

Mark and I are trying to locate a creaking noise from the front end on the passenger side. While driving forward, when I stop hard, I get a creak (like a door creak). When I go forward again, it won't creak. I have to go in reverse and stop hard for it to creak again. Then, I have to go forward and stop hard to hear the creak again. The problem has to reset going forward then going in reverse.

Mark has replaced the upper and lower ball joints on both sides. He tighten all the suspension bolts, removed the brake and checked it. My front bumper is secure. Nothing is loose. All the bushings are original on my 82 Spider with 43,000 miles and they look fine.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Clint

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 4:54 pm

anti sway bar bushings need replaced

yap123 · Post by **yap123** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 5:06 pm

Mike,

Have you seen this problem before? Why is the noise resetting? Could it be other bushings?

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 10:54 pm

you asked for suggestions. you've replaced most of the other front end stuff except shocks according to your list.

the swaybar bushings are not that difficult to replace. i think a 10mm and a scissors jack are all you need. can do in about an hour, tops.

pertyfly · Post by **pertyfly** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 10:45 am

Clint ...

I wouldn't believe it to be an anti-sway bar bushing given what you describe. Firstly, instead of just replacing things, you should be able to get some play out of whatever is creaking (not necessarily though). I would take a pry bar, and see about the control arm bushings, etc etc. But my suspicion would be the control arm bushings, or the front cross member being loose or cracked or something.

It could still be sway bar bushings as well since your braking is making the front end go up or down, but it's not as likely as the above. Maybe just do a whole front end bushing replacement? It would tighten up your handling

One thing you can do to check is spray something (engine oil, a lube spray or something) all over your upper and lower bushings. It is a bit messy, but in most cases they will quiet for about a week and come back. It's just another way to try and verify what your problem is if you would like.

Chris

yap123 · Post by **yap123** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 12:07 pm

Chris,

I looked at the anit-sway bar bushings and they are pretty thick and intact. Mark and his friend, a former body shop owner, looked the car over in detail. Everything looks good and there are no signs of cracks or fatigue.

Mark did spray all the bushings with lubricant, but I still get the creak.

Thanks

racydave · Post by **racydave** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 6:51 pm

Ive seen many things that would cause this and had to work on many in Dealerships. It doesnt have to be in front end componets, body creaks will do this. Mis aligned body shims rubbing, or loose fastners. Try opening the pass door and duplicating (door related?) Is the hood rubbing or fender? Ive actually laid across car hoods and held onto different spots to locate. Its probably not a serious problem, just annoying! good luck

yap123 · Post by **yap123** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 8:26 pm

What are body shims and fasteners? And where are they located, so I can check them out?

Can drive the car without the anti-sway bar? I want to see if that the problem.

Thanks

pertyfly · Post by **pertyfly** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 10:02 pm

You could drive the car without the anti-sway bar. It just stiffens up the suspension for cornering, etc. I wouldn't recommend it at all long term. But definitely to see if it's the problem, it's perfectly fine.

Chris

yap123 · Post by **yap123** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 12:59 am

Chris,

Thanks, I really don't think that's the problem, but I have to start somewhere.

Clint

Mark_vaughn · Post by **Mark_vaughn** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 9:41 pm

Could it have something to do with the brakes? Maybe a rotor slipping on the hub a little until it hits the lug. I don't know if that is even possible, but it sounds like it has something to do with the brakes. It would take something with torque to make metal move and squeak. General braking in a straight line shouldn't make the body moan that much. So I would focus on the suspension, steering, and brakes.

yap123 · Post by **yap123** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 2:41 pm

Looking at the control arms, the upper bushings have a gap between the rubber and metal of the control arms exposing the sleeve. Whereas, the lower bushings are flush with the control arms.

Is this normal? All 4 upper bushings are the same.

Upper Bushing Gap:
http://img329.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... ingqd1.jpg

Lower Bushing Flush:
http://img46.imageshack.us/my.php?image ... ingcs4.jpg

Mark_vaughn · Post by **Mark_vaughn** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 3:44 pm

I would say that is normal. That upper sleeve is tapered and wedges itself in. It is not going to go all the way in, at least mine didn't. I dont think there is enough thread on that bolt if they did.

fiater · Post by **fiater** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 9:00 pm

the gap in the upper bushings is normal, but the cracks in the rubber is not a good sign. I'd replace all of the bushings, if the car was mine.

Torxx · Post by **Torxx** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 8:03 am

I have a very similar issue with my '79 spider. Under hard breaking from 35mph+ I get a creak from the passenger side front area. No reverse needed to reset, just get it back up to speed and brake hard. The good news for me is that it generally only does it when the need to brake hard arises or when Iâ€™m trying to reproduce the noise. I have notice the creak on slow turns into driveways for example. Not every time though.

As part of my overall restoration I already have changed out several of the suspension parts and bushings.

Shocks, springs, lower control arm/ball joints, calipers, and brake shoes are scheduled to be replaced soon.

I hope that will eliminate the creak....., but, if it does I wonâ€™t know which component was the culprit??????

If it doesnâ€™t Iâ€™ll be looking for help from you guys on the forum