Creaking Noise
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 22
From: Whittier CA
Creaking Noise
I have a creaking noise coming from my 2009 C6. I only seem to notice the noise going 5-10 miles per hour, generally in a parking lot. It seems to occur most when the car shifts its weight from side to side, like when you would hit uneven payment or a bump. The car does not seem to creak when going street or freeway speeds. I have had this creaking for as long as I can remember. Not sure if the creaking is getting worse or if it is just starting to annoy me now.
Could this possibly be normal flexing of the car, or maybe the suspension needs to be lubed??? I can tell you the only thing I have lubed is the exhaust springs to help prevent it from squeaking.
I am aware of the Rear Axel Nut issue and the Rear End Link issue. I do not believe it is either one of these issues. The creaking is coming from outside the car, so it is not the dash or anything inside the car.
Would like to know if anyone else has this issue and/or your thoughts...
Thanks
Could this possibly be normal flexing of the car, or maybe the suspension needs to be lubed??? I can tell you the only thing I have lubed is the exhaust springs to help prevent it from squeaking.
I am aware of the Rear Axel Nut issue and the Rear End Link issue. I do not believe it is either one of these issues. The creaking is coming from outside the car, so it is not the dash or anything inside the car.
Would like to know if anyone else has this issue and/or your thoughts...
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,209
Likes: 16
From: Yorktown Heights NY
Creaking dash and creaking (popping) from the removable top are two common issues. The top can be lubricated (search... many threads). Creaking dash not so easy to fix.
Drive faster and you won't notice it.
Drive faster and you won't notice it.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 57,408
Likes: 164
From: queensbury ny
If it goes away when warmed up or high speeds it's probably the rear diff fluid that needs to be changed.There's a DIY up in FAQ section and/or the dealer can do it.Had that issue in both my 08's.FLUID CHANGE TAKES CARE OF IT.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 6,391
Likes: 1,453
From: South Dakota
When I first purchased my 08, I had a creaking problem that turned out to be the targa top. It wasn't serious, just an occasional noise. Either its mostly gone away, or I don't pay attention to it anymore.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 22
From: Whittier CA
Thanks for the input so far. It is not the Targa Top issue or the rear differential fluid issue. I am also aware of these issues. In fact, I changed the rear differential fluid a couple of weeks ago. The creaking problem existed prior to me changing the fluid.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 22
From: Whittier CA
Its not the Targa Top or the dash. This sound is definitely coming from the outside and believe from under the car.
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Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 501
Likes: 1
From: Ventura Highway in the sunshine
I had a persistent creaking noise as you describe when my 2010 was new. It sounded like it could've been the differential or the dashboard, but it was under the center of the car. That's why it sounded like it was coming from everywhere.
A Corvette specialist at the Chevrolet dealership diagnosed it as improperly torqued bolts on the torque tube plate. Not sure what the actual plate is called, but it's been two years...
He did the repair under warranty and it solved the problem. Car has not creaked since he did the fix.
I feel your pain on this one. If he hadn't found the problem I certainly would've gotten rid of the car.
A Corvette specialist at the Chevrolet dealership diagnosed it as improperly torqued bolts on the torque tube plate. Not sure what the actual plate is called, but it's been two years...
He did the repair under warranty and it solved the problem. Car has not creaked since he did the fix.
I feel your pain on this one. If he hadn't found the problem I certainly would've gotten rid of the car.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
Well it is common for the end links to make some noise. In my case I had lots of creaking and after I installed new end links and the thicker tunnel plate most mine disappeared.
My sun visors would make noise too. Lots of noise can come from the removable roof having to do with the latches and pins.
Do a search on the top.
The torque tube plate is what I replaced with a thicker one, at least I assume that this is the same as the tunnel plate. It has about 40 bolts and is best done when the H pipe is removed for a exhaust manifold change. The thicker tunnel plate will stiffen up the car laterally as well as keep some heat out of the console area, it has a heat shield material mated to it.
My sun visors would make noise too. Lots of noise can come from the removable roof having to do with the latches and pins.
Do a search on the top.
The torque tube plate is what I replaced with a thicker one, at least I assume that this is the same as the tunnel plate. It has about 40 bolts and is best done when the H pipe is removed for a exhaust manifold change. The thicker tunnel plate will stiffen up the car laterally as well as keep some heat out of the console area, it has a heat shield material mated to it.
Last edited by Boomer111; Jul 27, 2013 at 08:58 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 22
From: Whittier CA
***Additional information***
I had time today to put my car on my portable lift. As I was lifting the car, it made the usual creaking or popping noise as the lift was taking the weight of the car off the shocks and suspension. It was at this point I realized (or believed) that this is the same creaking I am hearing at low speed as mentioned in my original post. Now, I realize it still could be anything, but at least I know it is not an engine or moving part issue.
The Torque Tube/Tunnel Tube plate story is interesting. I may have to put the car back on my lift next week and take a look. I quickly looked over the undercarriage, and everything appears to be tight. I don't notice any obvious wear.
Based on what I can tell, I don't think this noise is anything serious, just annoying.
I had time today to put my car on my portable lift. As I was lifting the car, it made the usual creaking or popping noise as the lift was taking the weight of the car off the shocks and suspension. It was at this point I realized (or believed) that this is the same creaking I am hearing at low speed as mentioned in my original post. Now, I realize it still could be anything, but at least I know it is not an engine or moving part issue.
The Torque Tube/Tunnel Tube plate story is interesting. I may have to put the car back on my lift next week and take a look. I quickly looked over the undercarriage, and everything appears to be tight. I don't notice any obvious wear.
Based on what I can tell, I don't think this noise is anything serious, just annoying.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
The muffler cans hang via a spring attachment, kinda hard to see while on the ground. These have been known to squeak. Mine did and if I remember correctly I just sprayed on some lube.
Another reported known noise maker.
Another reported known noise maker.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 22
From: Whittier CA
I know that sound. It's not the exhaust or muffler cans. Thanks for the input.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 22
From: Whittier CA
This is the first I have heard of this TSB. Does anyone have a copy of it that I can read?
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 57,408
Likes: 164
From: queensbury ny
This is the first I have heard of this TSB. Does anyone have a copy of it that I can read?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 22
From: Whittier CA
If I had to guess, I would say this is the problem... Thanks for the input from everyone...