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[Webby the Bear]

Hi guys,

As some may know I have a creaing from the front and a creaking from the rear.... and that's before I talk about the car 

Anyway, the creaking from the front has gone since me and Martin fitted new wishbones. But I still have the creaking from the rear. A session of prying everything looking for the source produced nothing. I was going to replace donut bushes even though they felt secure in place. But I think that's a mistake.

I did however discover a bit of oil on the shock body but I didn't think that would cause creaking. However, having spoken to my tutor he thinks that the shock leaking could simply mean that it's allowing other suspension components to contact each other; so even though the creaking isn't coming from the shocks... it's the thing that's causing it.

Does this sound plausable to you guys? Bearing in mind I've found nothing else of concern re the rear suspension?

Cheers boyos

[Webby the Bear]

Anyone? lol

[chrisgixer]

If its leaking, it ought to be replaced. Regardless of anything else.

[Webby the Bear]

Cheers Chris. Yup, will replace it. But just wondered from a learning point of view if it could cause other suspension components to rub/touching .e. Causing the creaking 

[chrisgixer]

Cheers Chris. Yup, will replace it. But just wondered from a learning point of view if it could cause other suspension components to rub/touching .e. Causing the creaking 

If there's no fluid in the shock, or not enough, quite possibly.

[Webby the Bear]

Cheers mate. As I can't find any rear suspension problems I'll swap these out and hope that clears the creaking 

How long was it since I saw you? 2011? I'm thinking that's a short life 

[chrisgixer]

Cheers mate. As I can't find any rear suspension problems I'll swap these out and hope that clears the creaking 

How long was it since I saw you? 2011? I'm thinking that's a short life 

Very short. What did we fit? Got the receipt?

Non self levelling shouldn't leak from the shock body, no matter what.

Sure its not running down from the seal?

[Webby the Bear]

Genuine GM. Non self levelling.

All I know is there,s a bunch of oil on the bottom as if it's run down from up top somewhere mate. That from the seal area?

[AndyStobbs]

Depends on the severity of the bump and the characteristics of the shock and spring. The spring carries all the weight, to the point where the shock could be completely removed in theory. Obviously you can't do it in practice on most cars because the shock governs the maximum extent to which the spring is allowed to extend.

A bump with a fierce edge will load the suspension more quickly than a bump that has a radiused edge. Without the shock absorber to check the movement it is possible the suspension could bottom out, on a harsh bump.
The whole relationship between damping and springs is deep to say the least.

Your shock itself could be creaking, nothing uncommon about that.

[Webby the Bear]

Thanks Andy . I'll get the buggers replaced ASAP 

[chrisgixer]

Genuine GM. Non self levelling.

All I know is there,s a bunch of oil on the bottom as if it's run down from up top somewhere mate. That from the seal area?

Seal is most likely. Might be worth looking into a warranty claim.

[Webby the Bear]

Genuine GM. Non self levelling.

All I know is there,s a bunch of oil on the bottom as if it's run down from up top somewhere mate. That from the seal area?

Seal is most likely. Might be worth looking into a warranty claim.

Cheers mate. That would be real handy. Sadly though I doubt I have the receipt 

Never mind... Live n learn.

Going to try pattern ones this time I think 

[chrisgixer]

Genuine GM. Non self levelling.

All I know is there,s a bunch of oil on the bottom as if it's run down from up top somewhere mate. That from the seal area?

Seal is most likely. Might be worth looking into a warranty claim.

Cheers mate. That would be real handy. Sadly though I doubt I have the receipt 

Never mind... Live n learn.

Going to try pattern ones this time I think 

If purchased on tc they might have a record...?

[Webby the Bear]

Genuine GM. Non self levelling.

All I know is there,s a bunch of oil on the bottom as if it's run down from up top somewhere mate. That from the seal area?

Seal is most likely. Might be worth looking into a warranty claim.

Cheers mate. That would be real handy. Sadly though I doubt I have the receipt 

Never mind... Live n learn.

Going to try pattern ones this time I think 

If purchased on tc they might have a record...?

Hmmm. That would really help with the current dough situ actually. Thanks Chris 

[RacingSnake]

I've got a creaky rear too 

Likewise, a prybar doesn't reveal anything untoward, so I'm actually going to replace the rear axle mounting bushes (donuts) to see if that helps. I'll let you know how I get on.

[AndyStobbs]

How are you guys buying stuff through the trade club? I assume that's what you mean when you say tc.
My local TC manager is going round auditing all TC members to make sure we are genuine garages.

[Webby the Bear]

I was considering that too, RS. But prying should reveal faulty donuts 

As I found a problem I.e. The leaking shocks I'll address this first 

Keep us updated mate 

[Webby the Bear]

ABS member, Andy 

[AndyStobbs]

ABS member, Andy 

Sorry you've lost me. ABS as in the parts factor?

[Webby the Bear]

Autobahn stormers car club 

[chrisgixer]

If the subframe dosnt line up, when refitting everything after fitting new bushes, there is a way to lever the subframe forward by placing a pry bar through the rear of the triangular plate, against the rear most bolt, and get the end of the pry bar onto the end of the subframe.

Significant leverage can be applied. Doesn't necessarily move the subframe in a way that would activate the creak though. Although donuts certainly do creak, when separated and the rusty inner cup grates on the rubber.


Driving the car over uneven ground, such as turning into a steep drive way, where the opposite corners of the suspension are fully compressed/extended is a typical creak situation for failed donuts.

[Webby the Bear]

Is that scenario of driving up a steep drive on one side of the car also where dampers could creak too? I get that creaking as I'm pulling in to drive way too

[chrisgixer]

Is that scenario of driving up a steep drive on one side of the car also where dampers could creak too? I get that creaking as I'm pulling in to drive way too

More likely bushes, can you bounce the rear if the car by hand, see if it creaks... Might need a helper, I know your a big strong lad but its much easier with two people.

[Andy B]

....
Might need a helper, I know you're a big string lad but its much easier with two people.

not even a smell chequer could help you ............ 

[Webby the Bear]

Is that scenario of driving up a steep drive on one side of the car also where dampers could creak too? I get that creaking as I'm pulling in to drive way too

More likely bushes, can you bounce the rear if the car by hand, see if it creaks... Might need a helper, I know your a big strong lad but its much easier with two people.

Thanks but it's all fat honest 

Yeah I've done that. There's no 'over bouncing' or anything like that. You thinking dampers cos of the leak AND donuts... Even though pushing in with my fingers revealed they.d not separated?

[chrisgixer]

....
Might need a helper, I know you're a big string lad but its much easier with two people.

not even a smell chequer could help you ............ 

What? Stop altering my posts you.

[chrisgixer]

Is that scenario of driving up a steep drive on one side of the car also where dampers could creak too? I get that creaking as I'm pulling in to drive way too

More likely bushes, can you bounce the rear if the car by hand, see if it creaks... Might need a helper, I know your a big strong lad but its much easier with two people.

Thanks but it's all fat honest 

Yeah I've done that. There's no 'over bouncing' or anything like that. You thinking dampers cos of the leak AND donuts... Even though pushing in with my fingers revealed they.d not separated?

I'd need to see it tbh.

[Webby the Bear]

Fair enough Chris. . .  I think I'll do dampers first. Then if it's testily there I'll poly the donuts. Then hopefully it'll have gone 

[chrisgixer]

Fair enough Chris. . .  I think I'll do dampers first. Then if it's testily there I'll poly the donuts. Then hopefully it'll have gone 

Indeed.  Sounds like shocks need doing anyway.

[Webby the Bear]

Cheers mate 

[05omegav6]

Mine creaks like a galleon in a stiff breeze... has been suggested that it might be the rear door seals rubbing
That said, the suspension is as polybushed as it can be

[chrisgixer]

Mine creaks like a galleon in a stiff breeze... has been suggested that it might be the rear door seals rubbing
That said, the suspension is as polybushed as it can be

It was definately the pas side door area when I was in it. Silicon spray around the door rubbers?

[05omegav6]

Will give that a go might also stop them sticking when damp...

[RacingSnake]

I was considering that too, RS. But prying should reveal faulty donuts 

As I found a problem I.e. The leaking shocks I'll address this first 

Keep us updated mate 

Hi mate. Just thought I'd let you know that I had the rear axle bushes replaced and the handling has improved noticeably.

[Webby the Bear]

Nice one mate. Has the creaking gone too? 

[RacingSnake]

Nice one mate. Has the creaking gone too? 

In the short mileage that I've driven it since, I would say so yes.

[Webby the Bear]

Brilliant.... axle bushes.... are we still talking about the donut bushes that fit between the body and subframe?

[RacingSnake]

Brilliant.... axle bushes.... are we still talking about the donut bushes that fit between the body and subframe?

Yes. These are what I replaced:

http://www.allgermanparts.co.uk/ourshop/prod_910708-Rear-axle-mounting-bush-Lemforder-16063-01-90-447-156.html

[Webby the Bear]

Got ya. Just checking