Hi, I've had a problem with creaking in the front end of my '84Z for several months now. It sounds like the spring isolators are shot, like a creaking sound. The problem is that I've replaced them twice and even tried putting isolators between the spring and the a-arm, and I still have the noise. I've also replaced the bushings, ball joints, end links, and sway bar bushings. I also have new struts and the strut mounts are fine. None of this has helped in the least bit and it's driving me nuts. The only thing I can think of is that maybe there's a crack in the frame? Has anybody had this happen to them before? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated because I've run out of ideas. Thanks for any help.

 

Misaligned body panels maybe?Hard to tell since I cannot hear the exact sound.But since you have replaced almost all of your front suspension bushings,this is the only idea I can come up with right now.

 

It can be hard to track down.I work for a major US car company in the vehicle testing lab and this is one of the things we deal with .
Even new cars can develop creaks.
Sounds like you have replaced every suspected part.If you have a mechanics stethascope [hope I spelled that right]and can get your car over a pit ,on a hoist,however you can duplicate the noise.Try to isolate it
We have found creaks from springs,bushings,crossmembers,body,etc. there may be a part with a crack in it.a bad weld somewhere .Some suspension componet in a bind .Good luck

 

From some articles people in this forum have posted, I'd have to suggest to check the frame area behind the steering box. There has been many cases reported of the frame cracking there. I have never experienced this myself, its just something I've read about.

 

does there happen to be spring spacers in your springs?

I know the metal type spacers can cause creaking...

 

Thanks for the replies, I've tried the stethoscope thing, and all I can determine from that is that it is coming from around the control arm. The creaking is just as loud everywhere I listen I also checked the area around the steering box, can't find any cracks but I'm going to wirebrush it tomorrow to really be sure, but the sound is louder on the pass. side although I wouldn't be surprised if I had that problem on top of everything else. I'm starting to lean toward the cracked crossmember idea Anyway, thanks for the ideas, nobody else I have asked had a clue

:hail: Thirdgen.org

 

Did you grease all of the rubber bushings and isolators? That will cut down on a lot of squeeking and creaking.

 

Yeah everything's greased to the max. I've done some more checking with the car up on ramps and moving it up and down to make the noise, and if I put my hand on the spring, it moves or vibrates (whatever you want to call it) when it makes the noise. So it is definitely something to do with the springs. I just don't get it though because I've tried factory isolators on both the top and bottom of the spring, just on top like it is stock, making my own isolators by putting garden hose on both ends, and I have put plenty of grease on every time. None of this makes any difference. The other thing that I noticed is that if it is colder outside, say 70 instead of 90 degrees, there is less noise. The car drives just like it always has, except for the noise which is loud enough that people driving next to me will turn and look. Anyway, sorry for the long posts, but if anybody has any more thoughts on this please reply.

 

I'm not sure how your stethescope is set up...but
I have had some success with a piece of surgical tubing...
Looks stupid but you can drive around a little with the
tube held to your ear and the other end in various locations
to listen for the noise.

Helped me with some squeaks in the back...