Anyone figured out the bed creaking noise from rear end?
10-23-12, 08:13 AM
#1
Driver
Thread Starter
Anyone figured out the bed creaking noise from rear end?
Curious to see if anyone has figured out a definitive solution to the bed creaking noise that seems relatively common on these forums. I read one post in particular of someone replacing virtually everything in the rear suspension to no avail. Seems that the rear control arms and possibly the sway bar end links are likely culprits, but who knows. Just want to make sure I don't start chasing an elusive problem. 
From what I recall, the noise of bad struts and a bad bushing differ from each other. My noise is definitely from the rear (side unknown). The colder it is the worse it is; and is most apparent going over speed bumps. I don't think I can make the noise happen by just pushing on the suspension, but I could be wrong. I generally hear it when there is a large deflection in the suspension, but as it has gotten colder it has started to happen more often even over smaller bumps. It also seems to go away as I start to drive, but that could just be related to the ambient temperature increasing.
From what I recall, the noise of bad struts and a bad bushing differ from each other. My noise is definitely from the rear (side unknown). The colder it is the worse it is; and is most apparent going over speed bumps. I don't think I can make the noise happen by just pushing on the suspension, but I could be wrong. I generally hear it when there is a large deflection in the suspension, but as it has gotten colder it has started to happen more often even over smaller bumps. It also seems to go away as I start to drive, but that could just be related to the ambient temperature increasing.
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HotRodRod (11-23-20)
10-23-12, 04:10 PM
#4
Lexus Champion
Even though you say that you're sure that the noise is from the rear, sound travels in such a way that iit could be eminating from the front. So don't dismiss a front component as a possible cause of the noise.
Phil
Phil
10-23-12, 06:20 PM
#5
Driver
Thread Starter
I'm hoping when I start poking around I'll see an obvious shattered bushing with a red neon sign above it saying "THIS IS YOUR PROBLEM".
10-23-12, 06:44 PM
#6
Lexus Champion
I do agree and will definitely look into the front bushings to see if there are any problems as well. I was fairly certain it was from the rear because the front clears speed bumps quietly and then the rear creaks as it goes up and over.
I'm hoping when I start poking around I'll see an obvious shattered bushing with a red neon sign above it saying "THIS IS YOUR PROBLEM".
I'm hoping when I start poking around I'll see an obvious shattered bushing with a red neon sign above it saying "THIS IS YOUR PROBLEM".
Phil
10-23-12, 07:14 PM
#7
Driver
Thread Starter
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10-24-12, 06:31 AM
#8
Lexus Champion
The mechanic came with me for a drive as a passenger, kept his window open, and asked me to drive around so he can hear the sound. As soon as he dd, he told me the noise is coming from the front and not the back. I told him that he is wrong that it's from the back, but he just laughed.
We drove the car back to his garge, he lifted the car, poked around the front, and immediately determined thatt its the front torsion bar links. Changed them both, and problem gone.
The thing is, that he actually showed me that the links are defective before changing them. No guess work involved, and no parts were changed fo no reason.
Phil
Last edited by PFB; 10-24-12 at 06:39 AM.
10-24-12, 07:22 AM
#9
Driver
Thread Starter
In my case, I took the car to a garage and told them that I have a noise (thump) from the rear end when I go over bumps. Just like in your case, the noise would only happen when the rear wheels went over the bump, not the front.
The mechanic came with me for a drive as a passenger, kept his window open, and asked me to drive around so he can hear the sound. As soon as he dd, he told me the noise is coming from the front and not the back. I told him that he is wrong that it's from the back, but he just laughed.
We drove the car back to his garge, he lifted the car, poked around the front, and immediately determined thatt its the front torsion bar links. Changed them both, and problem gone.
The thing is, that he actually showed me that the links are defective before changing them. No guess work involved, and no parts were changed fo no reason.
Phil
The mechanic came with me for a drive as a passenger, kept his window open, and asked me to drive around so he can hear the sound. As soon as he dd, he told me the noise is coming from the front and not the back. I told him that he is wrong that it's from the back, but he just laughed.
We drove the car back to his garge, he lifted the car, poked around the front, and immediately determined thatt its the front torsion bar links. Changed them both, and problem gone.
The thing is, that he actually showed me that the links are defective before changing them. No guess work involved, and no parts were changed fo no reason.
Phil
I poked my head under the car this morning and quickly saw a cracked bushing (or at least I think it's a bushing), not where I was expecting, but cracked nonetheless. I will take a picture later and maybe someone can identify it.
10-24-12, 07:47 AM
#10
Lexus Champion
Unless the problem is evident by looking at it, it is not possible to ascertain what the cause of the problem is without putting the car on a lift, letting the wheels hang loose, and probing and prodding at various components. Anything else is just expensive guess work.
Obviously first, one should start by makeing sure that there is nothing loose in the trunk, such as a loose jack or spare tire. Loose exhaust components, and heat shields should also be eliminated as a potential problem.
Once resolved, let us know what the problem turned out to be. It will help others here.
Phil
Obviously first, one should start by makeing sure that there is nothing loose in the trunk, such as a loose jack or spare tire. Loose exhaust components, and heat shields should also be eliminated as a potential problem.
Once resolved, let us know what the problem turned out to be. It will help others here.
Phil
Last edited by PFB; 10-24-12 at 09:24 AM.
