creaking noise - cold weather

[johnhesch]

Well all - winter's approaching and cold weather is upon us.

Just a quick concern - it seems the car is developing some "arthritis" - in the sub freezing weather its creaking over bumps, especially at the first start of the morning - almost like the springs need a cortizone shot.

Any comments on fixes?

Thanks in advance.

John Hesch

 

[tankman]

Guaranteed to cure the "cold weather blues"

Move to a warm climate!! :s

 

[c4c5]

HI there,
From what part of the car????
What model????? Coupe, convertible??????
Please expand on the concerns, c4c5

 

[gtzy]

noticed a creaking noise in the rear that was most noticable when backing out of drive way over a curb on an angle causing the body to flex or when jacking the car from the rear. I could not find anything obv loose. I decided to check the 4 rear susp X-member mounting nuts. Re-torqued them to specs @ 81lbs.,was able to turn several flats before 81lbs reached. The creaks disappeared. Went ahead and did the frt X-member also. Only 1 of the 8 mounting nuts were at proper specs

 

[rsimoes]

Lubricate the removable roof's metal contact points. . .

Or it could be the sway bar bushings.

 

[johnhesch]

It seems to be coming from between/inside the front wheels. Going slowly over the driveway threshold when the car will bounce a tad gives it a creaking moan like an old box spring that hasnt had any action on it for decades.

It is only when its fairly cold ( under 25F).

I guess there are plenty of possible culprits, ie urethane bushings, springs, etc.

c4c5 - Its a '99 Convertible, 75k miles, daily driver, normal suspension (not the adjustable) - no real concerns except to get rid of the noise - you shoulda seen my passenger give me a look like your 50k car sounds like a $50 mattress from "The Whiz"

how about shocks? any recommendations on when to replace?



I'm going to check out the cross members - thx gtzy

 

[leaftye]

It's coming from your swaybar bushings. My car does the same, especially when it's really cold. Here are two options:

1. Remove sway bar bushings and lubricate with Dielectric Silicone grease. I tried spray-on silicone lubricants, and I couldn't get it into the bushing.

2. Replace old bushings with new graphite impregnated bushings. The black ones are usually them, the colored ones can be expected to squeek.



Sometimes my roof creaks too. I put the dielectric grease on ALL my weatherstrip, and it goes away.

 

[raycdosu]

the one from the front when you enter your driveway is probably the weatherstripping in the hood. Go around the hood weatherstripping real well with some silicone spray, especially at the side closest to the windshield.

 

[Mike Todd]

Try this...

It appears that the C5 has a few quirks that are just common.

Here is a web site that addresses some of these, including the squeaks.


http://www.corvettecavalry.com/techtips.html

Oh by the way, mine squeaks occasionally as well......

good luck,

Mike