Solution to Creaking Front End Problem W/ Pics
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 770
Likes: 0
From: DFW, Texas
I cant stress how excited I was getting under my car and turning those 4 17mm bolts almost 2 full turns. I got in my car and thought to my self "There is no way in hell this is going to fix it. I have put too much time and money into it for something this small to be the fix." I pull out of the drive way and no pops, drive and swerve and then brake, nothing... The car feels great. Thanks again for the post several years ago. Sorry to bring up an old thread but this worked for me.
I always get a kick out of hearing the sucess stories from this post. 
It's hard to believe that it's been 2 Years already.
Thanks for the feedback.
It's hard to believe that it's been 2 Years already.
Thanks for the feedback.
Last edited by UpInTheLex; Mar 23, 2010 at 05:46 PM.
EVERYBODY with a SC should be checking and tightening these suspension bolts/nuts to their proper torque specs. After all, these cars are getting a bit old and this sure helps to ensure everything is nice and tight. This is true with any old car.
Driver
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I have been getting creaking and popping just starting a couple of weeks ago along with a lot rougher ride in the front alone. Checked all the bolts with no success. I have a 2000 SC400 with only 81K miles
Doing this in a few mins, will let everyone know if I get the same luck.
Doing this in a few mins, will let everyone know if I get the same luck.
Driver
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Originally Posted by kponti
I have been getting creaking and popping just starting a couple of weeks ago along with a lot rougher ride in the front alone. Checked all the bolts with no success. I have a 2000 SC400 with only 81K miles
Doing this in a few mins, will let everyone know if I get the same luck.
Doing this in a few mins, will let everyone know if I get the same luck.
I got almost a full round of turns on both the front bolts and half on the rear ones.
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This is somehing that i need to recheck again. I have done it once before an had no better experiences at it. Still had a slight flunk noise. Maybe its the sway bar links or the tie rod ends. Will get back to everyone. Had this after i lowered the car. Didn't do it before until i lowered it. Wtf?
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 2
From: BC
So I just did this, got my mechanic to tighten them while he was fixing a hole in my exhaust. And it worked! No more creaking when I go over humps or anything. Not ALL the groaning is gone, but defiantly most of it is. Sounds like the rest of the groaning when I go from R to D is the stress on the breaks..
Also, maybe I'm just imagining things, but seems like my front end is tighter too lol
EDIT: Aw man, but my check engine light just came on
Also, maybe I'm just imagining things, but seems like my front end is tighter too lol
EDIT: Aw man, but my check engine light just came on
Last edited by scENFORCER; Aug 11, 2010 at 04:12 PM. Reason: CEL
word...while im at it ill throw on my ls400 BBK, poly bushings and sea foam the damn thing. If that doesnt fix it then i dunno!!
I just did mine chasing down a pop from recent work.
My subframe bolts Were almost 6-7 turns from 100+ FT/LB TQ...I still couldn't get the set to the right torque with the car up on the jack...I need to get full leverage for that torque (phew)
The four 17 MM nuts, were at the wrong torque too - almost four full turns before set.
Test driving in a few, will let everyone know.
I'll never put another part on this car without a torque chart that's for sure.
My subframe bolts Were almost 6-7 turns from 100+ FT/LB TQ...I still couldn't get the set to the right torque with the car up on the jack...I need to get full leverage for that torque (phew)
The four 17 MM nuts, were at the wrong torque too - almost four full turns before set.
Test driving in a few, will let everyone know.
I'll never put another part on this car without a torque chart that's for sure.
common problem on older cars(SC's included)....got to get a torque wrench to the suspension joints and chassis braces to check their torque values....should be a "heads-up" to EVERYONE. Only takes a little time to check...no biggy.... but can really make a difference!
