I get a creaking sound from the front suspension on my 2002 Z06. Car has T1 bars, springs and shocks but I don't think that is related to the problem. It's was fine when everything was first installed. I searched and read a number of threads describing similar problems, but couldn't find any conclusive input.

To rule out the swaybars, which seem to be a common source for annoying sound, I disconnected the drop links. Sound is still there.

It mainly happens when the suspension movement is larger than normal, like going over a steep creast at high speed. Normal driving or going over speed bumps it's all ok. I also often I get it during parking when the steering is used to the end postions, but only if the car is moving. When turning the wheel when the car is stationary there is no sound or only a very faint, no difference engine on or off.

All the busihings seem to be ok. It's stock busihing, not the T1 ones. I've tried to lube them but no differnece. I noticed that when jacking the front end up the sound is very present when one front wheel is lifted "alone". The sound is there both going up and down, so to say.

I've tried to bounce the front end buit since the T1 suspension is quite hard I can get maybe 1" movement, but still no sound. I noticed that when both front wheels has been lifted and the car is lowered back to the ground the noice is very noticable, but after bouncing the front a few times it goes away until the next time the front is lifted.

Anyways, the sound is more of a creaking sound and doesn't sound like a squeaking bushing or similar, but it is definately suspension movement related. Sometimes I can even feel the creaking through the floor/pedals.

Any ideas? It is starting to drive me crazy.

 

I had something similar years ago and it was the shock. Lift up and down on the fender and listen.

 

That's what I have been doing like crazy I can't understand why the sound is only present if the car has first been lifted. It then then goes away after a few bonces on the fender. While driving it happens on large suspension movements or during parking. Car has ~35k, it's well taken care of and not abused. T1 shocks are basically new with maybe 2000 street miles and a few HPDE laps.

 

Is your car lowered?did you remove the front lowering bolts completely?If so,did you put anything between the A arm and the leaf spring so there isnt metal to metal rubbing?Just my 2 cents IF in fact you did remove the front lowering bolts

 

Thanks for the input. It's maybe 1/2" lower. Stock T1 hard plastic adjusters. I've also tried to lubed them, no change.

Anybody know if the balljoints can make this type of sound?

 

Any ideas?

 

standard bushings... or upgraded poly bushings?

 

Stock bushings.

 

I have the same exact noise coming from mine too. You can almost feel a knock on the floor board and if you are making a right turn, the sound will appear to come from the driver side of the car. If you're making a left turn, the sound comes from passenger side.

Outta curiosity, did you have tires replaced right before you noticed this? I had new tires put on it, shortly after I started hearing the noise....

Lemme know if you found anything out!

 

I read another thread on here that made mention of a the possibility....

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...all-joint.html

 

Have narrowed it down to the a-arm bushings. No idea why they creak though.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/auto...hat-to-do.html

 

Glad to hear you have it narrowed down, best of luck bro

 

Yes it seems to be the bushings. I really don't know why they creak or how to make it stop. Lubing them only last a short time. It sure would be nice to know what's wrong.

 

dont suppose i could convince you to take a pic, could i? i can offer absolutely no input as to what is causing your issue or how to resolve it, but mine makes a god-awful sound coming into my driveway (which looks like its been pelted with mortars), and it sounds exactly like what you've described... just looking for a place to start. thanks in advance!

 

Grab a can of Silicone Spray at the parts store and hose down all under-car rubber, drive it a few miles, then repeat. Pay particular attention to the control arm bushings and sway bar bushings. The rubber dries out and deteriorates, silicone spray slows the process significantly and keeps things quiet. I also do the steering rack boots and CV boots, not sure if the nylon/plastic they're made of needs it but it doesn't hurt.

Every oil change is a good interval.

I started doing this w/ my wife's Honda and its CV boots on the advice of a friend after an expensive replacement, sold the car in 2005 with over 150K on the odometer having not replaced another CV boot. Swaybar endlink bushings still looked new also.

 

If you follow the link I posted above there are a few pics.

I've allready done this and unfortunately it only works for a shorrt time. Again, more info in the link Í posted above.

EDIT: Here's the link http://forums.corvetteforum.com/auto...hat-to-do.html

 

Given that spray-lubing the bushings has temporary effect, that indicates you're working on the right component.

It sounds like your bushings are worn/damaged and binding on compression...time for replacement.

 

I'm glad that I'm not the only one with this problem. I'm gonna get some silicone spray this weekend to see if helps. Wish me luck!