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Creaky suspension when cold

HellHoof

SM 2017
Full Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2016
Messages
128
I've had this issue for awhile but never got around to posting. Whenever it is cold - below freezing - my suspension is very creaky when going up and down over bumps. I took a video going over speed bumps where it is really loud, but even just over regular road bumps, dips, driveway curb, etc. I've always noticed the front suspension making the creaking, but never noticed the rear until tonight (also never had my windows down when it was this cold before).

Before the Av I had an 07 Tahoe (also LTZ with autoride) and it too made the same creaks when it was cold out.

Here is a video of the noise: https://youtu.be/5KjsdMZ3J2Y


Any ideas?
 
I think I may have figured this one out.

This guy's YouTube video has the identical squeak: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yM0tQ1nT5S4
And in the comments, there is a link to this video showing the sway bar bushings as the culprit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ODcxWm4Icg

I've had squeaky bushings in the past (http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php/topic,149190.0.html) so I think I just need to get out the Silicone spray and find some bushings. I'll give that a shot and report back for anyone interested.
 
In case anyone is following, it warmed up a bit Saturday so I got under the truck to remove and grease the bushings. The passenger side came off with a long breaker bar. The driver's side? Both bolts snapped off in the frame rail.  :E:


The sun went down, it got too cold, so I bolted the passenger side back up and parked the truck.  :E: :E:


IMG_4795.jpg
 
Yikes!  :E:

Had that creaking issue too and ended up being the sway bar bushings. Although mine was doing it in warm weather and when turning the front wheels. I had sprayed them to confirm that was the issue, but the creaking came back in short time. Replacing them fixed it like new.

Even after soaking the bolts from the top, I still snapped one. I lucked out being able to carefully drive to a shop to have it tapped and replaced. But unlike you, I still had one bolt "holding" the bracket to drive. No idea what would happen with one side completely missing. Can you do that work yourself or will need to take it somewhere?
 
I've got a buddy who works at a machine shop. Totally within his realm of possibilities -- hoping I can toss a few beers his way.

When you sprayed yours did you remove them? Or just shoot it as best you could? When I removed the bushings they were quite dirty. Was hoping a good greasing would take care of them.
 
First time I did not, only stuck the spray straw as best I could around it to flush it out. I figured if I was going to go through the hassle of removing them I may as well replace them. The AC Delcos were only a few bucks a pop if I recall so I went ahead and did front and rears.
 
  If you haven't yet a good time to upgrade your sway bar
end links and bushings. Like Energy Suspension. Can't
believe the difference it made on mine. 
 
JVZL1 said:
  If you haven't yet a good time to upgrade your sway bar
end links and bushings. Like Energy Suspension. Can't
believe the difference it made on mine. 

What improvements does it gain?
 
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