Creaking/groaning from front corner

rob-81 · Post by **rob-81** » Wed Mar 17, 2010 1:29 pm

Hi
My TZD has been making a strange and worrying creak from the front right corner. It creaks when breaking (with the car moving or stationary) and is getting louder. I have tried to accurately pinpoint the noise but am unable to be more specific than saying it is coming from the front strut/suspension area. It only occurs when breaking. It has recently had new ball joints on each side. It went back to my local specialist recently for something else and I asked him to have a quick listen to the noise. He was unable to identify it’s source then but it has worsened since then. I am going to book it in for another look over but in the mean time, any ideas?
Thanks in advance,
Rob

Linegeist · Post by **Linegeist** » Wed Mar 17, 2010 2:13 pm

These noises can be hard to track down - as soon as you disturb the suspension, the noise stops.

I tend to go for the logical elimination route in these situations, applying a suitable lube to each component in turn, and then seeing if it makes a difference. This is how I managed to find a dry drop link balljoint that looked perfectly fine on the outside but, behind its rubber boot, was dryer than a Zulu's handbag. Squirting 3 - 1 from an aerosl can behind the boot immediately shut it up and, when it started making a noise again some 3 weeks later, I knew it was replacement time.

Of course, it could just be the brakes, in which case I'd be rather wary of my solution.

rob-81 · Post by **rob-81** » Wed Mar 17, 2010 4:02 pm

Thanks Bob. I'll have a closer look (and spray) at the weekend!

Linegeist · Post by **Linegeist** » Wed Mar 17, 2010 5:30 pm

rob-81 wrote:Thanks Bob. I'll have a closer look (and spray) at the weekend!

I say old chap! No need to get all religious about it! It's only a creak!!!

(I kill me sometimes, I really do!!!)

rob-81 · Post by **rob-81** » Wed Mar 17, 2010 5:41 pm

Ok I'll try to contain myself!
I must say, I do enjoy reading your posts!