Nasty Creaking sound
#1
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Car: 85 camaro z28
Engine: 355
Transmission: t-5
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Nasty Creaking sound
I've got a really bad creaking sound coming from the left side of my car (85 z28). Its happens when I turn either left or right, and even when i hits bumps, or push down on the front of the car.
Im thinking it could be the tie-rod, but i'm not sure. The steering seems a little stiff than what it was, so maybe thats what it is.
Any clue? or similar cases?
Im thinking it could be the tie-rod, but i'm not sure. The steering seems a little stiff than what it was, so maybe thats what it is.
Any clue? or similar cases?
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Car: '89 RS camaro 305 TBI
Engine: LO3
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: yep, has those too (stock)
Re: Nasty Creaking sound
I had some pretty interesting creaky sounds either when braking, or when turning left or right.
Figured "car isn't exactly new, let's start replacing stuff"
So I replaced the endlinks. They were shot allright but no difference.
Replaced the complete steering rack. Better but still some of the old sounds when braking, when steering and some new ones.
I replaced the brakes (pads, discs, calipers, bearings) and no sounds disappeared, but it added some more creaking and clacking.
Then I swapped shocks and springs.
Creaking gone, clacks when braking almost gone. The clacking sound will be the brake pads however.
So my advise, test the shocks first
Figured "car isn't exactly new, let's start replacing stuff"
So I replaced the endlinks. They were shot allright but no difference.
Replaced the complete steering rack. Better but still some of the old sounds when braking, when steering and some new ones.
I replaced the brakes (pads, discs, calipers, bearings) and no sounds disappeared, but it added some more creaking and clacking.
Then I swapped shocks and springs.
Creaking gone, clacks when braking almost gone. The clacking sound will be the brake pads however.
So my advise, test the shocks first
#3
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Car: 88 Camaro
Engine: 2.8v6
Transmission: 700 R4
Re: Nasty Creaking sound
I had to replace the control arm bushings on a different car that I own to cure a creak/squeak when the suspension compressed even a little bit. It would make noise turning or driving over uneven ground.
#4
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Car: 1992 RS
Engine: Carbed 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 posi
Re: Nasty Creaking sound
Make sure you have the wonderbar - it really helps and keep frame from cracking at the power steering unit.
Then, time for suspension overhaul - tie rod ends, ball joints, end links, center link, idler arm.
Then, time for suspension overhaul - tie rod ends, ball joints, end links, center link, idler arm.
#5
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Car: 85 camaro z28
Engine: 355
Transmission: t-5
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Nasty Creaking sound
well, I noticed another thing today as well. When I push on the right front side of the car, the shocks are nice and bouncy. When I start pressing down on the squeaky left side, the shocks feel a stiff. Could be the struts, but would that squeak when turning left or right?
Ball joint could be a possibility, might need some grease.
The creaking sound is terribly embarrassing though, i've got to find out what it is before I spend $$$
Ball joint could be a possibility, might need some grease.
The creaking sound is terribly embarrassing though, i've got to find out what it is before I spend $$$
#6
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Car: '89 RS camaro 305 TBI
Engine: LO3
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: yep, has those too (stock)
Re: Nasty Creaking sound
It could very well be the shock, as that takes quite a lot of the vehicles inertia when turning.
If it's the front, taking out the shock isn't all that easy, but it will be worth having a look at it before spending money on something else.
Eventually you'll have to spend the money, and when replacing shocks and springs is about the best of times to check and if required replace bearings, balljoints and the like.
If it's the front, taking out the shock isn't all that easy, but it will be worth having a look at it before spending money on something else.
Eventually you'll have to spend the money, and when replacing shocks and springs is about the best of times to check and if required replace bearings, balljoints and the like.
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Car: 85 camaro z28
Engine: 355
Transmission: t-5
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Nasty Creaking sound
Thanks man. Your absolutely correct. Took a closer look and noticed it was the shock for sure.
I'm not sure why you think taking a front shock out is hard...?
I'm not sure why you think taking a front shock out is hard...?
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#8
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Car: Yes
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Transmission: Sometimes
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Re: Nasty Creaking sound
It's not really a "shock"; it's a "strut".
It's not only the damping element like a shock is, but also, the steering axis. So all the hardware is bigger and stronger, and everything about it takes more manhandling in a general way.
Other than that, not too hard. Don't forget you'll need an alignment after changing it. Also, don't be surprised if you find your strut mounts, at the top of the struts, are worn out too.
It's not only the damping element like a shock is, but also, the steering axis. So all the hardware is bigger and stronger, and everything about it takes more manhandling in a general way.
Other than that, not too hard. Don't forget you'll need an alignment after changing it. Also, don't be surprised if you find your strut mounts, at the top of the struts, are worn out too.
#9
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Car: 85 camaro z28
Engine: 355
Transmission: t-5
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Nasty Creaking sound
Thanks for the tip.
The ones on the front of my car is a springless strut, not sure if they did that for 85's or all years....
The ones on the front of my car is a springless strut, not sure if they did that for 85's or all years....
#10
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Car: Yes
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Transmission: Sometimes
Axle/Gears: Behind me somewhere
Re: Nasty Creaking sound
Yup, 82-92 all these cars are the identical same design up front, just like yours.
#11
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Re: Nasty Creaking sound
Takes a bit of work--and is potentially dangerous if not done correctly.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...-question.html
JamesC
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...-question.html
JamesC
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Car: 85 camaro z28
Engine: 355
Transmission: t-5
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Nasty Creaking sound
Yeah, It is a real pain to get these shocks on. There is are two bolts on the bottom of the old shocks that are rusted and won't budge. I've soaked them with wd-40, i'll see if i can get them off tomorrow.
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