Squeaking Cerbera

[dominic+]

I've had my Cerbera for a couple of weeks now and I have noticed that there is quite a bit of what sounds like suspension squeaking when going over bumps or uneven road surfaces.

Is this another case of TADTS or should I get it checked out?

Thanks!

[octane junkie]

It was also about 2 weeks after I bought mine that I started to notice the squeaks. Now is that because my hearing took so long to adjust or could it be because, no matter what you try to do, the squeaks return after a couple of weeks?

The source of your squeak is most probably the 2 nylon (?) bushes on the rear anti-roll bar drying out (yes, TADTS). You can jack the rear up, take off the wheels, loosen the clamps and lubricate them yourself but it's a pain in the @rse type job, or I've heard of people changing the bushes to some kind of aircraft quality material - probably expensive and still a pain....

I've given up worrying but I do spray copious amounts of WD40 on said parts every now and then.

Still only lasts 2 weeks though.......

[dannylt]

Another possibility is the springs rubbing against the dampers, or one of the mounting bolts. Worth sticking on a ramp and checking out - the rubbing should be obvious from any shining bit.

danny

[suffolkfox]

As an alternative to WD40 (which evaporates rapidly), there are a few companies that make a silicon spray (its used in the sewing industry to lubricate the surfaces of industrial sewing machines that run at up to 4500rpm!). This is friendlier on man-made substances such as nylon bushes, is more slippery and should last longer. Pop down to your local Singer shop and watch their faces when you tell them what its for or you could even use silicon furniture spray (its based on the same stuff)

[gef3]

Dear Dominic+

Recently I also have had an annoying squeaking problems coming from the rear end/running gear of my Cerbera when I go over bumps and uneven road surfaces. The TVR Centre (Barnet) supposedly fixed it for me. However, as soon as I got in the car and drove off…voila le squeaks (or is it ‘la squeaks’).

I don’t use the car much over the winter months…only when a dry and bright Saturday/Sunday presents itself. Throughout the winter months the squeak persists. A couple of weeks ago we had some exceptionally warm weather…oddly enough when the car was thoroughly warm the squeak went!!! I think this could be due to the Waxoyl treatment I’ve had done softening and helping to lubricate the bushes/joints.

I have had my Cerbera from new for two years now and I reckoned this must be a dry bush/bearing/joint related. If you take a rear wheel off you’ll notice 6 pinned and bushed joints, plus the rear stabiliser bar bush and ‘banjo’ coupling. All of these move and if dry will ‘squeak’. They all appear to be Butyl Rubber in nature (not Nylon!!!) and I bet they are installed at the factory with some kind of lubricant (silicone grease).

When I first got the car I was constantly washing it…as you do…and I think that the application of car shampoo has probably contributed to the ‘drying’ out of some of these bushes. So I wondered how to get some form of lubrication back. I did not want to take every bush apart, lubricate them and then put them back…life is too short…anyhow, if it isn’t broke don’t fix it!!! So some form external application/spray would have to be tried. What I needed is a good spray lubricant…WD40 is good but it dries out quickly. I have found a Teflon (PTFE) spray that is available called GT85.

Just getting into the car early this morning (Friday 9th May) started the squeaks off. So I took the rear wheels off and had a good spray around all the aforesaid moving parts/bushes…left it to soak in for little while…tested for squeaks on some ‘bumpy’ roads and now have none!!! Hopefully this has resolved the problem. I will let you know to the contrary.

[sixx]

Right, I've had mine for four weeks and it has started doing the same thing (starting to think I may have bought a lemon here what with the engine problems!).

GEF3 where did you get the lubricant from?

Thanks.....

[gef3]

Dear sixx

I have access to an automotive wholesaler (sorry no public access!) called Maccess. This is where I get most of my automotive products. However, GT85 is widely used by the cycling community where a clean lubrication is required ie: chains and gear changers. I am fairly confident that Halfords must sell it. If not try your local cycle shop or use a search engine to locate the product. For more information go to www.gt85.co.uk

I haven’t tried it but Castrol also make a PTFE aerosol, this is available from Demon Tweeks.

Regards

gef3

[mudstud]

Is this squeek everyone talking about a sqeek or clunk. I've noticed a bit of a clunk when I go over bumps etc coming from drivers side rear wheel, just wondering if its the same thing?