96 Rear Suspension Noise

[96gs917]

I took my 96 polo green LT4 out over the weekend for the first time in a few months. She fired right up on the
first crank, let her warm up a few minutes, then took off for a 30 minute cruise to nowhere. (Love that Corsa)

As I was driving I could here the suspension in the rear make a noise that I can only discribe as almost like a grinding as the
suspension traveled up and down. I could here it the most when I would go over a dip in the road at speed, or when I would
come to a stop. I sounds like the bushings to me. Should I hit the bushings with a little WD to loosen them up or do you think
I need to do something else.

Thanks,
Frank

 

[Hib Halverson]

I took my 96 polo green LT4 out over the weekend for the first time in a few months. She fired right up on the
first crank, let her warm up a few minutes, then took off for a 30 minute cruise to nowhere. (Love that Corsa)

As I was driving I could here the suspension in the rear make a noise that I can only discribe as almost like a grinding as the
suspension traveled up and down. I could here it the most when I would go over a dip in the road at speed, or when I would
come to a stop. I sounds like the bushings to me. Should I hit the bushings with a little WD to loosen them up or do you think
I need to do something else.

Thanks,
Frank

Bushings usually do not make grinding noises unless they have failed or are failing. My suggestion is that, if you do hear grinding as the rear suspension moves, you take the car to a service facility and have them determine what the noise is and repair if necessary.

Bushings may make a squeaking noise if they are old/dry/cold. In that case, use rubber lubricant rather than WD40.

 

[96gs917]

Thanks Hib

It sounds like more like a squeaking than grinding. I will put her up on the lift next weekend and hit the bushings
with some rubber lub.

 

[John Robinson]

While under the car check the muffler brackets for excessive play. If they are loose you will get noise's from the exhaust pipes and mufflers hitting the underside of the car.

This may be something you will to want do to tighten up the bracket. I used bearing grease on the tongue so it could move back and forth under torque.

 

[96gs917]

John,

Thanks for your reply. I'll put the car on the lift over the weekend and double check
my Corsa install from last year. Could be a few bolts need to be tighted.

I am leaning towards bushing though. I took the car out last night and as a test when
I approached a stop sign at low speed, I would modulate the brake pedal to make the rear
end go up and down. You could hear the moaning/groaning noise as the rear would lift and fall
with me putting pressure on, and off the brake. I could make the noise happen at will.

Keep you posted.

 

[WhalePirot]

Hopefully it's simple. I had a spring fail due to the heat from the 3" exhaust just under it.

 

[Hot Rod Roy]

Take a good look at your sway bar bushings. Are they urethane? Urethane sway bar bushings are notorious for squeeks, and this is most noticeable under the conditions you are describing. I like to use marine (boat trailer) wheel bearing grease, because it is more water resistant than most lubes. Rubber lube on urethane doesn't last very long.

 

[96gs917]

Put the car on the lift this morning and lubbed all the bushings. While I was under there,
I checked the Corsa exhaust to make sure everything was tight. All the bushings appear to be stock
rubber not urethane. Took her out for a ride, and boy what a difference, no noise.

A simple fix for a change. Thanks for everyones input.

 

[WhalePirot]

I like to use marine (boat trailer) wheel bearing grease, because it is more water resistant than most lubes. Rubber lube on urethane doesn't last very long.

Roy does it again! I think I still have some marine grease for the next Corvette service. The red grease that came with m urethanes, makes a noticeable difference in the car when new, but gets quit sticky.