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I had some luck on this forum with my Honda and now I’m hooked. So here’s the saga on my mini-van (3.8L V6, 133K miles)
3&1/2 yrs ago, steering rack failed and was replaced. 8 months later, re-built replacement failed and mechanic repaired for free. In between those repairs, I replaced rotors, axle shafts (CV boots gave out), hub bearings – one fell apart in my hands during the axle work – and power steering pump (failed when rack gave out). This all occurred around 102K – 112K miles. The first winter after the second rack was installed, the suspension became creaky in cold weather. Suspension cradle plate had to be removed for this work so I already check that out – several beefy bolts hold that in place – they’re all torqued tight.My plan was/is to keep this thing until it dies – just too versatile to sell – lumber from Home Depot, able to drive my kids and my parents or in-laws around with just one car, good for road trip vacations, etc.
Caught a deal on Monroe Quick Struts (December 2010) so put those in – no improvement in creaking. Now I was on a mission to get rid of this noise. I’ve since replaced stabilizer bar bushings, control arms (with new ball joints and bushings already installed), outer tie-rod ends, and just for good measure checked and lubed inner tie rod ends. Above 35 degrees(approx), no noise. Below 35 degrees, sounds like the undercarriage is going to drop out. Noise only occurs when suspension is un-sprung like wheel dropping into pot hole or suspension is re-compressed when coming out of the hole. Speed bumps are quite an acoustic experience.
Is there anyway to put the van on jack stands and reproduce rapid compression/de-compression of each wheel. Noise is in stereo so I don’t think it is limited to one side.
Thanks.
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Did you replace the rear shocks or check the rear leaf springs? or is the noise just in the front suspension? What about the motor mounts?
John,
Thanks for responding – I haven’t touched the back end (although, I don’t know why – 2 shocks = $50 or $60, right and not a tough job)but noise is definitely in the front. I did inspect all motor mounts – they look fine. Defintely seems to be noise from the front corners, just forward of my feet.I don’t know if rattle is the right term because noise doesn’t linger – just sounds like something is loose and needs to be tightened up. If it were the struts, I really thought new Quick Struts would have done the trick. I realize Monroe isn’t top of the line but I would still expect it to take years for before any rubber components would shrink or deteriorate.
Are the front wheel bearings that you replaced still good? Is the steering straight when you let go of the wheel? What condition are the strut towers in?
Hey, College Man -helping me out, again. Thanks.
I did watch this video last year. It did remind me that I failed to mention that I did replace stabilizer links on both sides. This is a good reminder though – I’m going to try jacking it up and banging on the tires and jacking up under the oil pan.I’m convinced (or misguided) that it has to be related to rubber parts since there is no noise above the 35 degree mark.
John – sorry, I didn’t see your reply (trying to respond with my dog lying on my chest – new puppy)
No bearing noise and steering wheel is straight. Strut towers are fine (I still remember first time I saw complaints of rusted towers on NHTSA web site, about 5 years ago. I ran right out to the garage and popped the hood. What a relief – no rust. I’m going to run it through some tests on the drive into work, tomorrow. Try to hit a pot hole with each wheel to confirm they each make their own noise (I’m nearly positive each front wheel will respond independently. I’m sure I’ll crawl under it this weekend and, once again, keep looking for something rubber that may have shrunk in the cold. There’s a speed bump right at the entrance to our company parking garage – quite embarassing for the van to make such a noise in front of my co-workers. I take pride in keeping this thing looking and running good. This is driving me nuts but I refuse to give up.Try WD-40’ing a couple of bushings that you can see and test to see if it was one of those. If it is, you would have to take them out and properly grease them as WD-40 is only a temporary fix from what I’ve seen. Last time this happened, it was on a front sway bar bushing, but I don’t think your van has that.
Pengy – I do have sway bar bushings and have changed those – Twice. Including taking off the last set and lubing them with silicone grease. Good thought, though. I’ve been looking for other bushings to hit with silicone spray. Odd part is noise is same after all rubber parts I can identify (other than engine mounts) have been replaced. It seems odd that new parts would make same noise as old parts. But, as I’ve mentioned before, seems to me it has to be rubber that is affected by the change in temperature. I’ll be under that van for a while, this weekend.
Suspension noises can be tricky. I don’t think the wheel bearings are the cause. You’re looking for a laterally moving part like a control arm or bushing. Do a real good visual on the suspension both front and back. Look for areas that are surrounded by orange dust as this is often an indication of a worn or loose part and possibly your noise.
Eric,
Thanks for this reply and the other recent ones you provided on my Honda Accord ABS sensor saga!
AlYou’re most welcome. You might also check the stabilizer link bushings. My most recent experience with my Element proved these can be the cause of strange noises like that. Also if that is a problem it might be better to check it while it’s on the ground with the suspension compressed as when you raise the vehicle you may not be able to find the loose part.
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