question for wagon owners/experts
 

No one has to absolutely respond to this, but if anyone has a really good notion, it would be great!

Ok, I'm at wits end with this annoyance!!!!!!!!!! noise is driving me crazy!

Cannot seem to locate source of sharp, single creaking noise, loudest at right rear fender area, althought it also happens at left side but not as loud. Only does it over uneven road surfaces, or hitting small, sudden road imperfections, and when the body is shifting its weight when going from reverse to forward or vise-versa.

What I know its NOT: door latches and striker plates, door check straps, loose inner door panels, loose speakers, latches holding seatbacks in place, the jack, the cargo area side panel doors, the spare. Pretty much rules out amost everything eh?

Thinking now maybe shocks are loose??? Can anyone tell me briefly how to get at the top mounts, please?

Thanks!!

PS: Sounds weird I know but, noises stop under 20 degrees (very cold= metal components really stiffening up) and did not do it all summer until the weather went down into 50s. (warm=expanding, softer metal)

Perhaps the sway bar bushings…

oh man, I just didn't think of that!! I'll check it out.
thanks!

miktvk

There was a post I made regarding noises such as you described:

"I also went after the "wagon squeaks". I lubed the middle seat back latches, I lubed the rear sway bar mounts and the top of the shocks.

I also replaced the latch mounts (they were missing the rubber isolators) and adjusted them on the covers in the right and left rear (cover for the spare tire and the rear windshield washer reservoir /emergency kit). In addition a bought the round plastic pieces for each cover fingers at the bottom of the cover, that go into the floor.

Additionally I lubed the hinges and the lock plate. The rear is now quiet."

Found at: Wagon Sqeaks

Haasman

thanks, Haasman!
Can you tell me in brief how to get at the upper shock mounts? Is that carpeting glued down, or does it clip in somehow?

The reason I don't suspect the seat latches is because the noise persists when the seats are folded flat, but I'll check 'em again, everything is suspect now!

this forum rules

haasman, when you say 'replaced the latch mounts' (missing rubber isolators) do you mean seatback latches--the metal loops on the seatbacks or the mechanism on top of the wheel well? OR something else?

sorry for being dense about this

miktvk

No problem. I think it is very important to clarify. Thanks for asking.

Regarding the upper shock mounts, honestly on my wagon I never have touched them. Instead, I blasted them from outside with a can of silicone lube with a snorkel tube. I pushed them around a bit afterward and used a rag to mop up any spills.

Regarding the "when you say 'replaced the latch mounts' (missing rubber isolators) do you mean seatback latches--the metal loops on the seatbacks or the mechanism on top of the wheel well? OR something else?"

I was referring to the latches of both rear covers, one for the spare (L) and the other for the radio antenna etc (R). These seemed to be the major squeakers! I studied them carefully, looked at another wagon and discovered that mine were missing little rubber covers. I also adjusted them by repositioning them to have a little bit of preload, so when they are closed they are tight.

Want a picture?

Haasman

great, thanks Haasman, I did actually adjust those cover latches exactly the way you describe, but I think all four latches are missing the rubber coating.

aaarrgghh so many details to attend to! My wife thinks I'm kinda nuts, but she doesn't have to drive the car an hour every day.

I think if you have a good wagon and it is right, they are terrific cars. The best of both worlds.

I say, do what you need to do to get it right.

Those little (I think brass) pieces are very inexpensive AND easy to install.

Here is a picture of the lower grommet and one of the four (two per side) upper latch piece with rubber on it.

hey, thanks for the pics! Not near the car at the moment, but I'm pretty sure those rubber pieces are missing.

You know, we love the wagon, and just recently I upgraded the sound system and performed a lot of routine maintenance myself, which was very satisfying. It's just the right size for us and the two dogs, and of course, it carries a mountain of stuff in the back when needed.

And when it was very cold last week, the car was stone quiet, even with 109K. I was actually looking forward to the 10 degree mornings just so I wouldn't have to listen to that noise!

I'll keep on it until it is right, as you say. I just ordered rear sway bar bushings and links, for a weekend project, and I'll lube and tighten the top of the shocks.

You are welcome.

Do the front sway bar bushings as well. Together they do a great upgrade.

Jeff

follow-up!
 

Well, if anyone is interested, here is what was finally discovered to be making this really annoying noise:

Both rear differential to subframe mounts were apparently completely shot. So how about that? This car has 110K on the clock.

Took it to a reputable independent after exhausting all possibilities (that I could reasonably DIY in the dead of winter)

miktvk

What did it take to fix the diff mounts, parts and labor?

Haasman

miktvk

I have followed your thread with interest (as a wagon owner) and glad you got to the root of the problem.

You also mentioned in this thread that you upgraded the sound system. Would you care to share the details - did you fit rear speakers - where - how etc. PM me if you wish.

Regards
NormanB

(sigh)
Hi Norman, well, as it turns out, the noise has persisted, it was not the differential-to-subframe bushings that were causing this annoyance, although no doubt they needed replacing.

Here is the crazy part: These noises (left and right side) disappear after the car has been through a high-pressure car wash, returning later after the car has sat and dried. I do not lie. They also go away in extreme cold, for instance, today it is 10F (about -15C??), I drove all the way to work in blissful silence. For a car with 110K miles, it feels very much like a new car--except for this irritating creaking/snapping when it starts warming up outside. It is always louder and more consistent from the right side.

My next attempt will be the rear swaybar bushings, if that won't do it, the headliner comes out and I will check the bolts that hold the luggage rack in place. After that, I give up. I don't want to keep annoying the nice folk on this forum with my stupid problems.

arrghhh!

-Mike

PS: Sound system...
Alpine CDE-7170 head unit-single CD player; check out:
http://www.alpine1.com/html/D2_n_1_n_n.html
for specs...a plug adapter came with the unit which required just slight modification to make it work.
Front speakers: German-made Rainbow 120's, do a search on the Audio forum here for discussions about these exceptional speakers. Should be availabe in the UK.
Rear door speakers: 4-inch Eclipse co-axials-SE8242, fit right in with just a little slivering away of the vinyl under the speaker grill.