C6 Tech/Performance LS2, LS3, LS7, LS9 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Rear creaking noise

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 5, 2022 | 01:52 PM
  #1  
shutout's Avatar
shutout
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 481
Likes: 99
From: Long Island, NY
Default Rear creaking noise

2011 6m GS 18,450 miles. Drove home from Dealer when I bought it. 4 1/2 drive no issues. First thing I did, on the quick jack changed the oil. Drove 2 weeks, brakes squealing. On the quick jack, changed brake pads to dura last gold, painted rotors. Squeal gone, but now a Creaking noise going over bumps. Changed end-links (Very loose), greased ball joints, axle nuts ( loose). Noise gone. 2 weeks later noise returns. Really bad when turning slowly. Changed differential fluid did 100 figure eights, noise still there.
It will creak when I push on the driver side rear. But only sometimes. The noise started after I did the brakes. What could I have done to cause this? The brakes are straight forward. Not sure where to do next.
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2022 | 01:59 PM
  #2  
Got uid0's Avatar
Got uid0
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 8,466
Likes: 51
St. Jude Donor '17
Default

Sounds like sway bar end links or bushings if just pushing on car body side to side or shock noise up and down?

Any chance its a wheel bearing issue?
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2022 | 02:04 PM
  #3  
shutout's Avatar
shutout
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 481
Likes: 99
From: Long Island, NY
Default

I changed the end links. Doesn't sound like a bearing. It's an up and down noise when I push on it. It really creaks going into my driveway on a slant and turn.
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2022 | 02:09 PM
  #4  
Got uid0's Avatar
Got uid0
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 8,466
Likes: 51
St. Jude Donor '17
Default

I would look at exhaust hangers, perhaps bushings on the sway bar need lube or replacement, recheck if bolts on endlinks need tightened or something with the shock mount or shock itself.

Get a friend to move the car up and down and get under there with a pipe on different spots to listen for where it is louder.

most likely it is sway bar related. Perhaps just loosen the swaybar mount bolts and test to see if it stops as a test then you know it is bushing related on the bar.

Last edited by Got uid0; Nov 5, 2022 at 02:17 PM.
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2022 | 02:19 PM
  #5  
shutout's Avatar
shutout
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 481
Likes: 99
From: Long Island, NY
Default

I'll check the sway bar bushings next. Maybe a good spray lubricant will help. Could be driver side shock, but with only 18k on it, I wouldn't think so. Maybe age not the mileage.
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2022 | 02:27 PM
  #6  
Got uid0's Avatar
Got uid0
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 8,466
Likes: 51
St. Jude Donor '17
Default

Originally Posted by shutout
I'll check the sway bar bushings next. Maybe a good spray lubricant will help. Could be driver side shock, but with only 18k on it, I wouldn't think so. Maybe age not the mileage.

Reply
Old Nov 5, 2022 | 02:36 PM
  #7  
shutout's Avatar
shutout
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 481
Likes: 99
From: Long Island, NY
Default

I'll check the sway bar bushings next, that might be it.
Reply
Old Nov 6, 2022 | 07:30 AM
  #8  
robert.m.kalis's Avatar
robert.m.kalis
Racer
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 407
Likes: 164
From: KS
Default

I had a similar creaking noise on a different vehicle (914).
I jacked the rear of the car up and found with the transmission in neutral and the parking brake released, I could not rotate the rear wheels? I found the rear brakes were incorrectly adjusted. Is it possible that your emergency brake is now out of adjustment since the rear brake job?
Try to cycle the E brake up and down to full extents 3 times and see if it helps. I could have sworn the creaking was coming from my suspension but it wasn't, it was the rear brakes. Good luck and let us know what finally resolves your creaking.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-9

Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

 Joe Kucinski
Old Nov 6, 2022 | 09:47 AM
  #9  
shutout's Avatar
shutout
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 481
Likes: 99
From: Long Island, NY
Default

Wow, I never thought of that. I will give it a try today.
Reply
Old Nov 6, 2022 | 01:45 PM
  #10  
shutout's Avatar
shutout
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 481
Likes: 99
From: Long Island, NY
Default

Cycling the e-bake did not work. It kind of sounds like something is binding. I will put the car up on the quickjack and pull the rear driver side wheel and pull the caliper.
Reply
Old Nov 12, 2022 | 11:35 AM
  #11  
Racergirl2012's Avatar
Racergirl2012
Intermediate
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 28
Likes: 24
Default

I’m having a similar problem with my C6 GS. It was in the shop for some very light cosmetic repair for WEEKS! Park Chevrolet, to be exact. They f’ed up my paint job, but that’s another story for a different day.

Ever since getting my car back, I hear a “crack” or a “popping” noise coming from underneath the car. It does not do it all the time. It’s a one time pop or crack sound, not continuous like a CV joint. Not a click like a typical bad CV joint. But a Pop like something is settling or something is popping into or out of place.

I drive it 1-2 times a week and at least one out of 2 times, I hear it. It’s loud and seems to come from a different place under the car each time

The first time I heard it was when I was turning my wheel hard to make a turn. The second time, I was pulling out of my driveway and turning my wheel. Third time, was going straight down a road after stopping at a stop light. Today, heard it while pulling away from a gas pump, turning only slightly.

While I can’t blame it squarely on Park Chevrolet, I have my suspicions and can say that a bunch of miles where put on my car while in their care. And they not only scratched my car but also CLEAR COATED over the scratches, noob jerks!!! Who does that? I can’t even wet sand that crap out hardly!! Insurance is paying to correct that issue.

Previously, I only trusted Dub with my car. Now that he is gone, sadly, I have now completely wired my car inside and out with several cameras that record everywhere and an app w/ geo fencing and a limiter, HA!
I’ll know if a technician so much as farts sideways in my car from now on, let alone take it on a joy ride!

Joy ride, HA! I’ll set the limiter at 70 while in any shops from now on! Unplug it??? I’ll be notified and on their lot demanding my keys immediately!

Last edited by Racergirl2012; Nov 12, 2022 at 11:44 AM.
Reply
Old Nov 12, 2022 | 02:02 PM
  #12  
shutout's Avatar
shutout
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 481
Likes: 99
From: Long Island, NY
Default

Sorry to hear your problems with the Chevy dealership. I always hesitate to bring my car there.
You're describing pretty much the same sound I am hearing. My mechanic said to change the differential oil, which I did but the noise persists. I talked to my mechanic, and he was pretty adamant that it was the fluid in the differential. He said drive it for a week or two to allow the oil to get into the clutch packs. After a week the sound has gotten a little better, but still noticeable. Tomorrow I will pull the driver side rear tire and check the caliper and emergency brake. I will also spray everything with Silicone and see what happens.
Reply
Old Nov 12, 2022 | 02:50 PM
  #13  
ClothSeats's Avatar
ClothSeats
Melting Slicks
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 1,158
From: Northern Wisconsin
Default

I changed my differential fluid this summer. Put in the GM fluid that has friction modifier for limited slip differential. Immediately there began a creaking noise from the rear. After a month or two of that, I drained 4 ounces of differential fluid and added 4 ounces of friction modifier (It comes in a 4 ounce bottle). Creaking noise went away immediately, and I have noticed no ill effects, but I don't track my car either.
Reply
Old Nov 12, 2022 | 03:06 PM
  #14  
shutout's Avatar
shutout
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 481
Likes: 99
From: Long Island, NY
Default

Originally Posted by ClothSeats
I changed my differential fluid this summer. Put in the GM fluid that has friction modifier for limited slip differential. Immediately there began a creaking noise from the rear. After a month or two of that, I drained 4 ounces of differential fluid and added 4 ounces of friction modifier (It comes in a 4 ounce bottle). Creaking noise went away immediately, and I have noticed no ill effects, but I don't track my car either.
The gear oil I added AC Delco 75w-90 GL-5 has the friction modifier in it already. It specifically says do not add modifier, it is already in the oil. Maybe there's not enough modifier added? I don't track my car either.
Reply
Old Nov 12, 2022 | 03:24 PM
  #15  
ClothSeats's Avatar
ClothSeats
Melting Slicks
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 1,158
From: Northern Wisconsin
Default

Originally Posted by shutout
The gear oil I added AC Delco 75w-90 GL-5 has the friction modifier in it already. It specifically says do not add modifier, it is already in the oil. Maybe there's not enough modifier added? I don't track my car either.
Yeah, maybe there's not enough modifier in it. That seems weird, being that it is GM differential fluid for limited slip differentials. I used the same stuff. Anyway, no ill effects for me after adding the friction modifier. If you are apprehensive about adding friction modifier, you don't have to add the whole 4 ounces, but then you might not get the full benefit either.
Reply
Old Nov 12, 2022 | 03:56 PM
  #16  
shutout's Avatar
shutout
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 481
Likes: 99
From: Long Island, NY
Default

Originally Posted by ClothSeats
Yeah, maybe there's not enough modifier in it. That seems weird, being that it is GM differential fluid for limited slip differentials. I used the same stuff. Anyway, no ill effects for me after adding the friction modifier. If you are apprehensive about adding friction modifier, you don't have to add the whole 4 ounces, but then you might not get the full benefit either.
I will definitely look into it. The creak is driving me crazy.
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2022 | 09:01 PM
  #17  
DriveFastEatGas's Avatar
DriveFastEatGas
1st Gear
 
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 1
Default

Originally Posted by shutout
I will definitely look into it. The creak is driving me crazy.
I have the horrible creak, it drives me insane and gets worse in the rain.
I think I've tracked it down to rear inner tie rods. If you give yours a tug and hear the creak that might be it too.
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2022 | 06:12 AM
  #18  
shutout's Avatar
shutout
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 481
Likes: 99
From: Long Island, NY
Default

Originally Posted by DriveFastEatGas
I have the horrible creak, it drives me insane and gets worse in the rain.
I think I've tracked it down to rear inner tie rods. If you give yours a tug and hear the creak that might be it too.
I'll give it a try this weekend. Thanks
Reply
Old Dec 4, 2022 | 06:52 AM
  #19  
shutout's Avatar
shutout
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 481
Likes: 99
From: Long Island, NY
Default

Update. It turns out it was the rear differential fluid. The more I drove the car the more the noise lessened. After a good 2-hour drive, I went into an empty parking lot and did a bunch of slow figure eight's and it's completely quiet now.

Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Rear creaking noise





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:32 PM.

story-0
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-2
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

Slideshow: 10 things C8 Corvette owners hate, but won't tell you.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-01 18:36:07


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

Slideshow: Should you add one of these incredible Corvettes to your garage?

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-01 18:14:05


VIEW MORE
story-9
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE