VF Commodore suspension noise

[PomBstard]

Have an odd creak on the front of my car - sounds like a spring settling but can’t hear it by shaking the car, only when driving, and it’s not very loud - but it’s there. Will happen when moving from a standstill, but not going over bumps. No other rattles or clunks to indicate worn bushes.

Have changed the strut top mounts but wondering if it’s the struts themselves or spring mounts. Am going to get some spray lubricant and see if I can pinpoint it better - one spray at a time!

Any thoughts? I understand the front of a VF is the same as the front of a VE so maybe some experience here. Local forums don’t seem to have any suggestions, so might be something a bit leftfield.

Can’t get it to my local mechanic for a while so angling for suggestions. TIA

[V88Dicky]

I had a creak / squeak that only reared it’s head when going over certain speed bumps. Turns out it was the lower control arm bushings. Changed both sides for good measure.

Might be worth checking, along with engine and gearbox mounts, seeing as your symptoms are only happening when pulling away?

Edited by V88Dicky on Friday 17th March 06:49

[PomBstard]

Engine and gearbox mounts seem OK - there are no other noises when accelerating or braking or changing gear.

The noise being a sort of creak rather than a clunk is what’s foxing me at the mo.

It’s obvs something loose or worn, just gotta find which bit - might need to let it develop a little longer - handling seems unaffected so far.

[Jader1973]

Could it be the brakes? Just a suggestion given you hear it pulling away but not when rocking the car.

Or the front end gets pushed when you move off, so maybe something moving backwards rather than up and down?

[vxr2010]

Did you put a enough grease on the top mounts , if not that could be your issue , the second issue i had was the front ARB bushes , i sprayed a bit of grease on them and the noise went away , what happens when you are stationary and go lock to lock any similar noise ?

[PomBstard]

I don’t think it’s related to the brakes as the noise can come when applying throttle from v low speed when brakes haven’t been touched.

Top mounts were greased - had a prob with fitting non-genuine parts that were creakier than a ship in a storm!

I think it’ll be a combination of greasing different joints until it stops and letting it develop a bit more until it’s a bit more obvious.

[motomk]

vxr2010 said:

the second issue i had was the front ARB bushes , i sprayed a bit of grease on them

Had this as well, although it was after an aftermarket anti roll bar has been fitted with polyurethane bushes. They needed tightening to.

[PomBstard]

Little update on this…

A few weeks and about 3500km later the noise hasn’t really got any worse. However, after the return journey from Byron last weekend, with the car somewhat laden…



…the noise wasn’t there at all. Which made me think maybe a dodgy spring or shock at the rear.

Anyhow, it’s been in for a service today and the report is that nothing was loose anywhere on the suspension but the rear shocks are showing the first signs of wear with slight weeping, and one of the hydraulic engine mounts look like it also has a weep, but no shunting or knocking noises. Yet.

So, engine mount will be done in short order and new rear shocks prob at the next service unless they get worse - could be a rattly shock?

And I’ll just keep an ear out for any changes.