Rear Creaking Noise, Replaced Sway Bar Bushings, Still There
#1
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Rear Creaking Noise, Replaced Sway Bar Bushings, Still There
It seems to be a common problem on these models (3ES). I did some research, and apparently the stabilizer/sway bar bushings are usually to blame. I bought some new ones at NAPA, put some silicone grease and replaced them. It was an easy/cheap job (about $12), but the noise is still there.
What are some other common problems that can cause this? Can the end links connecting the sway bar make that noise? I looked all through the rear suspension, and the rubber bushings look really good and tight, no cracking or looseness.
The noise is pretty bad going over speed bumps. The car rides amazing, so it's more of an annoyance than anything. If it's something "big" I'm just going to live with it, but if it's something simple, I'd like to fix it.
Any other ideas?
What are some other common problems that can cause this? Can the end links connecting the sway bar make that noise? I looked all through the rear suspension, and the rubber bushings look really good and tight, no cracking or looseness.
The noise is pretty bad going over speed bumps. The car rides amazing, so it's more of an annoyance than anything. If it's something "big" I'm just going to live with it, but if it's something simple, I'd like to fix it.
Any other ideas?
#2
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I just replaced both the bushings and end links. While it was a definate improvement, there is still some noise. My rear struts are original (2000 ES300) and I'm thinking something could be worn on the upper strut mount.
#3
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I'm guessing regardless, the back ones could use replacing. I actually bought some at the local parts store, I didn't feel like shelling out around $80 a piece for OEM.
I'll respond back if it clears up after I replace the links. If it's something like the strut mounts that causing the creaking/squeaking, I'm just going to live with it.
#5
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I replaced the rear sway endlinks also, and the creaking noise is still there.
I'll probably just live with it, if I need to bring it into a shop in the near future, I'll ask a technician what the issue is and see if he can figure it out. It's probably strut mounts.
It really destroys the feeling of being in a nice luxury car and hearing that noise when you go over bumps.
I'll probably just live with it, if I need to bring it into a shop in the near future, I'll ask a technician what the issue is and see if he can figure it out. It's probably strut mounts.
It really destroys the feeling of being in a nice luxury car and hearing that noise when you go over bumps.
#7
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It's probably something like that. When I poked around, the rear bushings look decent, but there's definitely some "mushiness" there. If I knew exactly which bushing it was, I would probably replace it, but it's hard to pin down.
The issue is, this car is 11 years old and has around 130k miles. You could make a case that EVERY single rubber bushing probably needs to be replaced. (the whole suspension should probably be rebuilt, both front and back)
I'm just not sure it's worth the investment. Right now it rides great, has tight handling, and goes straight down the road. Just not sure if it's worth tearing into over some creaking when I go over a speed bump. You can really chase your tail throwing parts at it, but I'm always open to solutions.
The issue is, this car is 11 years old and has around 130k miles. You could make a case that EVERY single rubber bushing probably needs to be replaced. (the whole suspension should probably be rebuilt, both front and back)
I'm just not sure it's worth the investment. Right now it rides great, has tight handling, and goes straight down the road. Just not sure if it's worth tearing into over some creaking when I go over a speed bump. You can really chase your tail throwing parts at it, but I'm always open to solutions.
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#8
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I replaced the rear sway endlinks also, and the creaking noise is still there.
I'll probably just live with it, if I need to bring it into a shop in the near future, I'll ask a technician what the issue is and see if he can figure it out. It's probably strut mounts.
It really destroys the feeling of being in a nice luxury car and hearing that noise when you go over bumps.
I'll probably just live with it, if I need to bring it into a shop in the near future, I'll ask a technician what the issue is and see if he can figure it out. It's probably strut mounts.
It really destroys the feeling of being in a nice luxury car and hearing that noise when you go over bumps.
#9
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Have you guys considered investing into wireless microphones? Or maybe even a durable camera? This way you could position them into different locations and see if you can find the source of the noise. At least that's what I would do - a mechanic might be just as clueless as you are, and they often assume which leads to expensive mistakes.
#10
mine has developed a creaking /clunking noise in the front, esp in the passenger side. i changed the sway bar endlinks and the noise whent down but not much. its cold in canada now , -3 is normal and will get colder, so the sound gets worse..leading me to believe it IS the rubber strut mount.
very annoying though! esp when driving in the city....i will change as many bushings as i can but i think such sounds can only be truly fixed by a completely overhauled or new suspension. quick struts anyone?
very annoying though! esp when driving in the city....i will change as many bushings as i can but i think such sounds can only be truly fixed by a completely overhauled or new suspension. quick struts anyone?
#11
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^ not even. I'm not happy with mine... At first they were fine, but now [in the air doing a dry steer with my hands] the right side has developed a new creaking in the strut mount, when turning. I'm not happy about it, not to mention they are one year old at this point. If i get pissed off enough about it, I will claim some sort of warranty with Monroe about this issue. I understand it can be the design within the car that they mimicked [just like the stupid passenger side axle design Toyota thought would be brilliant] - but they shouldn't offer lifetime warranty if they won't cover it. Otherwise I would've gotten some OEM mounts, KYB shocks and some lowering springs. Would've cost me ~200$ more but no noise!
I recently invested in new control arms for the rear which had play in them, had to get ebay specials as Rockauto was unable to get them at this time.
I recently invested in new control arms for the rear which had play in them, had to get ebay specials as Rockauto was unable to get them at this time.
#12
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^ not even. I'm not happy with mine... At first they were fine, but now [in the air doing a dry steer with my hands] the right side has developed a new creaking in the strut mount, when turning. I'm not happy about it, not to mention they are one year old at this point. If i get pissed off enough about it, I will claim some sort of warranty with Monroe about this issue. I understand it can be the design within the car that they mimicked [just like the stupid passenger side axle design Toyota thought would be brilliant] - but they shouldn't offer lifetime warranty if they won't cover it. Otherwise I would've gotten some OEM mounts, KYB shocks and some lowering springs. Would've cost me ~200$ more but no noise!
I recently invested in new control arms for the rear which had play in them, had to get ebay specials as Rockauto was unable to get them at this time.
I recently invested in new control arms for the rear which had play in them, had to get ebay specials as Rockauto was unable to get them at this time.
#14
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That much more?! I was almost certain it'd be 200$ more in this case. There is a "sensen" set on eBay with lowering springs, don't recall the brand, for around 350-ish, plus mounts, would've cost me 200$ more than the 575$ quick struts in the end, should've went with that ****!!
#15
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That much more?! I was almost certain it'd be 200$ more in this case. There is a "sensen" set on eBay with lowering springs, don't recall the brand, for around 350-ish, plus mounts, would've cost me 200$ more than the 575$ quick struts in the end, should've went with that ****!!