Creaking when braking

C

cj10jeeper

Lifer
 Lichfield, England
A new noise has appeared over the last few weeks and it's starting to bug me.

While braking gently and at very low speed (10mph down to <1mph) there is a creaking from the font are of the car.
This is not the groan of brakes juddering as the pads sometimes do when they vibrate against the disks.

I've stripped down all the calipers, rotor and greased all the appropriate points to ensure nothing is sticking.

I cannot replicate the noise when stationary by pressing the brake pedal (it has to be moving) nor by bouncing the car.

I can only think of suspension bushes or perhaps shocks/struts?

Anyone had similar or any ideas before I end up pulling half the front suspension to pieces?
 
C'mon guys - don't make me have to dismantle half the front end of the car to find the problem myself :rofl:
 
Wasn't going to post as not had this on my Zed, but a previous car had something similar and that was the bushes. I think that's why it's not replicated with up / down movement on the suspension - it needed the weight of the car... but I'm guessing you figured that much! Bosses Range Rover did the same - that really was awful, sounded like a rusty gate! Pretty sure that was the bushes too... I can check tomorrow.

We both gave our cars to someone else to fix so not much help really!

I'm sure Im not alone in thinking you'd quite enjoy dismantling the front of your car!
 
PawnSacrifice said:
Wasn't going to post as not had this on my Zed, but a previous car had something similar and that was the bushes. I think that's why it's not replicated with up / down movement on the suspension - it needed the weight of the car... but I'm guessing you figured that much! Bosses Range Rover did the same - that really was awful, sounded like a rusty gate! Pretty sure that was the bushes too... I can check tomorrow.

We both gave our cars to someone else to fix so not much help really!

I'm sure Im not alone in thinking you'd quite enjoy dismantling the front of your car!
Click to expand...

Actually that's very helpful as I was mentally narrowing down to perhaps bushes on the struts mounts or anti roll bar.

Dismantling the fronts not a problem - putting it back having not found the problem would be....lol
 
Phil,

Ive had this one before on my old Seat Ibiza which was a common problem, but have heard of many other people with similar problems with different solutions. My problem was rectified by changing the Front (Lower) Wishbone, Rear bushes (these also commonly die on the E46/Z4).

People have also experienced problems with the McPherson Strut top mount or indeed the lower spring rubbing on its perch. Id also normally recommend checking and greasing the caliper slide pins or the pads for play but youve already eliminated these...

To help find the problem, i was recommended spraying lubricant on the possible parts (Not brakes!! :P :wink: ) one at a time, to see if the noise changes. Hope this helps :)

EDIT: Ohh and try WD40'ing the ARB Drop links/bushes while youre at it... If they dry up (cold weather) they can creak too :thumbsup:
 
Hi Ed,

Some interesting pointers :thumbsup: I actually changed the rear bushes on the lower wishbone about 6 months ago to poly so they could be good suspects. Never been a fan of poly for road cars, but did them on recommendation while sorting out a steering/geo issue.

Time to get the lubing anything that moves on the suspension to see if we can find a source.
 
Good Luck, keep us updated :thumbsup:

On a side note, how much of a PITA were the wishbone bushes? Mine were fine on the recent MOT however i can feel them starting to go... Are the wishbones easy-off and are the bushes easy to press out? I know many garages are lazy and just replace the lot, which seems a little overkill. I quite fancy doing mine now the short days and freezing cold wet weather have come about :roll: :D
 
EdButler said:
Good Luck, keep us updated :thumbsup:

On a side note, how much of a PITA were the wishbone bushes? Mine were fine on the recent MOT however i can feel them starting to go... Are the wishbones easy-off and are the bushes easy to press out? I know many garages are lazy and just replace the lot, which seems a little overkill. I quite fancy doing mine now the short days and freezing cold wet weather have come about :roll: :D
Click to expand...

Replacing them was an absolute PITA of a job. Removed the undertray undid the 2 retaining bolts then dropped the rear of the wishbone. I then had to drill the rubber out to remove the lollipops and grind a cut in the sleeve then chisel them off the end of the wishbone. all very messy as they are oil filled. The sleeves in the cores needed a lot of persuasion. New were easy enough to press in, but getting the lollipops located took a bit of effort as the poly has limited flex.

All told an 8/10 PITA job.
 
Soo thats why they change the entire wishbones!! Cheers for the advice mate, will have a sleep (nightmare?) on the idea.
 
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