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  #1  
Old 09-28-2009, 11:42 PM
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I've got this mystery creak

I have this creak in the left front end on my 85 300D. I figured it was the ball joint because the boot was ripped. I changed the ball joint but I still have the creak. I get it when I go onto a driveway or otherwise have the front end adjusting in a vertical direction. I don't get it while turning. I feel like I can feel it through the floor with my feet. I am just getting familiar with how the whole front suspension works, and as I look at a front end suspension diagram, I am thinking that it is most likely an upper or lower control arm bushing. If that is the case, what do I do about it? Can I get grease into those bushings or do they have to be replaced?

Thanks for any suggestions.

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Old 09-29-2009, 12:44 AM
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You could try and squirt some oil in the UCA ball and see if the creak goes away as a diagnostic.

If your '85 is like my '83, the LCA and UCA bushings don't rotate but the rubber flexes, so there's not really any moving parts in there to creak.

There's also other parts that move, like guide rod mounts.
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Old 09-29-2009, 09:06 AM
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look at the shaft that bolts to the lower control arm. follow it to the body of your car that's your guide rod bushing... see any rust? that's what's creaking. it's not bad to change it out yourself. Mine were so bad that there was a noticeable clunk when I touched the brakes and anytime I hit a bump...
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Old 09-29-2009, 09:19 AM
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I had my indy replace my Guide Rod bushings; L&R.

I had thought it was the Joints but it wasn't. He save me doing something I did not need to do.

My car suspension was clunking not creeking however.

I'm glad I had him do the job.
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Old 09-29-2009, 09:35 AM
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Don't know if your car has this, but my '75 240D (115) has rubber collars around the anti sway bar in front. They creak like crazy if I don't keep them lubed up. It's all vertical motion creak, I can get it to do it in the garage with my foot on the front bumper.
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Old 09-29-2009, 12:08 PM
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My CD had a similar creak, it turned out to be the lower ball (supporting) joint.
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Old 09-29-2009, 03:31 PM
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Is there a particular grease to lube these bushings in the first place? I'm curious since I too have a creak when vertical motion is applied to the front suspension bits. Still trying to pinpoint which one it is exactly.
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Old 09-29-2009, 05:13 PM
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All the ball joints are permanently lubricated, yet check the pic. This manual does not have page numbers, just job numbers.
Start with any joints that have torn rubber boots.
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I've got this mystery creak-ball-joint-grease.jpg  
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  #9  
Old 09-29-2009, 07:00 PM
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This is all very helpful. When I get my 84 off the jack stands and out of the garage I'll get under the 85 and have a closer look. Thanks for all of the input.
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Old 09-29-2009, 07:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MBeige View Post
Is there a particular grease to lube these bushings in the first place? I'm curious since I too have a creak when vertical motion is applied to the front suspension bits. Still trying to pinpoint which one it is exactly.
Bushing grease.. sounds like some mechanic's tale when their boat payment is due

If its dry, I'd go with silicone grease as it's not supposed to rot rubber like petroluem grease will. If its not dry, then you probably want to match what's there already. I don't think many of the bushings are really meant to have grease, but heck, if parts are ment to slide against its surface, and it makes noise when that happens, then greae 'em.
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  #11  
Old 09-29-2009, 09:56 PM
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Iam wondering if a silicone spray would work of rubber bushings to quiet them?
I have used it to get bushings to slip into place.

Charlie
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  #12  
Old 09-29-2009, 10:55 PM
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Just about every suspension joint has been mentioned so far in this thread the only way would be to check em all out. My money would be on the guide rod, I have seen many of those rotted and worn out.
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  #13  
Old 09-29-2009, 11:04 PM
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I got the creak, too. Found it to be upper control arm bushing and needs replacing.

Right one is fine.
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  #14  
Old 09-30-2009, 01:27 AM
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+1 300td has the creak.

I've got the same thing. First noticed it last year/winter when it was colder. It's not terribly noticable but I definitely hear it at times.

I have outside front tire wear on the driver side, so was hoping that the ball joint was making the creak. But, it sounds like there's something else going on down there. The front end problem(s) will likely get fixed soon so we'll see if the creak goes away.
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  #15  
Old 03-29-2010, 08:38 AM
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spring shim

Look at the coil spring shim, where the front spring is seated. That is what tore out on my 300D and causes creaking. Some spray lubricant helped the creak for a little while but that effect wears off over time. The creak changes in intensity and probably the alignment is slightly affected.

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