Creaking front end

[Transfer]

I've had my '12 E92 with 36k miles for about two months and I just started to notice front end suspension creaking, mostly when turning left. It's subtle but real. Car is all stock ZCP and drives like a dream. Any ideas? Sway bars? Spring perch?

[Transfer]

So now I've realized it happens pretty regularly at low or higher speeds although difficult to hear at higher speeds. I'll probably take it in to get checked out. Has anyone else had this issue or heard this problem?

[BayE30]

control arms showing age maybe? or could be top mounts on struts, common place to hear creaking noises. i hear it on the left front on my '11 ZCP 40k miles when turning the wheel hard slow speed, pretty sure its the top mounts in my case.

[pbonsalb]

I get it and have read others complaining about it. Some say it is the steering rack and some have gotten relief by tightening the two rack bolts. That did not work for me. All my bushings and links and upper strut bearings are good as far as I can tell.

[dparm]

First thing I would do: get the car up on a lift and inspect for obvious visual damage and excess play. This is pretty much what the dealer will do for vague problems like this. Do not fall into the trap of just arbitrarily replacing parts -- that is how three-quarters of these threads ultimately end up (people throw tons of ideas out, the OP spends hundreds or thousands of dollars on replacing shit that isn't broken).


Once you get it on the lift, look for anything that is bent, dented, rubbing, etc. Check rubber bushings and other parts for cracks and age-related deterioration. Look for loose bolts/nuts/washers. Grab various suspension and steering parts and try to wiggle them around. Grab the wheels and shake them to check for play there as well.

When the car is off the lift, push firmly on each corner of the car. Have a friend crouch down and listen for noises. Check for proper firmness and rebound from the shocks.

[Transfer]

Thanks all. I have Carmax warranty so I think I can let someone else do the heavy lifting on this. I appreciate the suggestions and ideas.

[yidgyi]

My steering rack went out around the same mileage as yours if thats any help. Thankfully mine was replaced under warranty. Heard those suckers cost a pretty penny. As dparm stated, you should check suspension components before throwing cash at the car.

[BOOF-M3]

Lol, why didn't you say you had a warranty? Since we are all guessing, I'm going with "driver side strut top or lower mounts are loose". You are therefore getting movement in the strut. Carmax warranty is the bomb.

[Transfer]

Originally Posted by BOOF-M3

Lol, why didn't you say you had a warranty? Since we are all guessing, I'm going with "driver side strut top mounts are loose". You are therefore getting movement in the strut. Carmax warranty is the bomb.

I wanted to make ya'll work for it first.

I like to have ideas of the problem before I let it loose on the shop.

[dparm]

If you have a warranty, just pay the deductible and let them diagnose it. Worst case, it's something stupid and you pay the $50 or whatever. Best case, it's something expensive and you still only pay $50.

[pbonsalb]

My occasional creaking has been there a few years, so it’s nit like something is about to let go. And I have put the car on my lift and looked for possibilities a few times.

I replaced my upper strut bearings a few years ago after hitting a bad pothole while using shaved guide tube units and lowering springs. Now on Bilsteins and unmodified strut bearings and lowering springs. I may have a tiny bit of play in a tie rod end and plan to replace those. Otherwise my bushings and mounts and links all are good.

[Redd]

Sorry to rehash an old thread. @pbonsalb did you ever get the creaking sound fixed?

[ksc]

Originally Posted by Redd

Sorry to rehash an old thread. @pbonsalb did you ever get the creaking sound fixed?

Any more details of your sound?