Front End Creaking with New Parts installed - XC70

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Owing to mileage (145,000 kms) and a drop in suspension performance over bumps, I decided to have a shop replace a number of parts of the suspension system, hoping to get that New Car "feel" back. They replaced:

- Front Struts (Sachs Blue sticker)
- Coil springs
- Control Arms
- Stabilizer Bars
- Stabilizer links (End links)
- Sway Bar Links and bushings

An front-end alignment was done at the end. After about 100 kms, VERY noticeable creaking sounds started coming from the front end over any size bump and the sounds have only gotten worse over the past few weeks.

Was there something they should have replaced at the same time that they didn't? Any suggestion on what this might be? The sounds are not minor.....the front end now sounds like it's a 1979 Ford Pickup truck.

Thanks.

[albertj]

Owing to mileage (145,000 kms) and a drop in suspension performance over bumps, I decided to have a shop replace a number of parts of the suspension system, hoping to get that New Car "feel" back. They replaced:

- Front Struts (Sachs Blue sticker)
- Coil springs
- Control Arms
- Stabilizer Bars
- Stabilizer links (End links)
- Sway Bar Links and bushings

An front-end alignment was done at the end. After about 100 kms, VERY noticeable creaking sounds started coming from the front end over any size bump and the sounds have only gotten worse over the past few weeks.

Was there something they should have replaced at the same time that they didn't? Any suggestion on what this might be? The sounds are not minor.....the front end now sounds like it's a 1979 Ford Pickup truck.

Thanks.

Seeing as how you posted this a couple months ago, I'd think the issues either have resolved or you're living with them - so here is info for 'reference' by those looking at this thread in the future.

Double check that the control arms were bolted in while the car was either level on the ground or the arm was raised to the same degree as it would have been had the car been level on the ground. It can be difficult to determine that on a lift. The tech may need to strap the car "chassis" to the lift in order to allow the to-be-adjusted arm to be jacked up enough for proper adjustment.

Not sure why you replaced the stabilizer bars unless you just wanted, say, the heavier IPD bars. I understand replacing those bushings, though, and it may be you'd need a bit of silicone grease (probably, a bit more) where those bushings cinch the bar to fix the creaking.

There is a remote possibility of an issue with the new struts. An experienced technician should be able to figure that out.

The most common cause for clunking noises over bumps is the mounts or attaching parts. Careful inspection is often required to identify the cause. Mountings and bushings can appear to be tight, but move slightly when driving. Viewing components when the suspension is hanging downward on a hoist may not reveal the cause. Also - replacing strut mounts is always recommended when replacing the struts. This is not for fun, rather it is because the insulating material density changes over time (aging, compression) and the strut mount pivot bearings wear (especially the sliding polymer ones).

Other suspension and steering components often cause noises that the shocks/struts get blamed for: Ball joints, sway bar bushings & links are common causes. If your control arms came with ball joints this may not be your problem.

On the other hand, things may actually be okay. New struts often need a brief "break-in" or settling period, during which the internal sliding components move on and wear a little with respect to their surfaces. Call it "break-in." This period can last for a few days or even a couple of weeks, and during this time, you may notice some initial firmness or even some noises as the suspension components adjust.

Here's a more detailed look at why this happens and what to expect:

Settling:

New struts and springs are often stiffer than those they replaced. As they are compressed and extended during driving, the metal in the springs will work-harden a little. The specific weight and suspension setup of the vehicle affects this process. Also, the seals and other internal components within the strut need initial usage after installation in order to "break-in," and you may notice the car sits slightly higher than before. This is a big hint - the new struts are in their "fresh" state and haven't yet settled under the weight of the car. Typically you can expect the front end to settle about 3/4 to 1 inch over 2-3 weeks of normal driving. However, for me - most of my driving is cruising on interstates and decent secondary roads -- when I replace struts it will take a few weeks, and for struts and springs several months; I drive a lot but don't drive hard.

Break-In:

The ride might initially be a bit high and feel slightly firmer than usual because the struts are still breaking-in. Thinking about it, you might well hear some initial noise or clunking, especially over bumps, as the components settle into their optimal position.TBH I still don't know for sure why this is and I used to think people just told you that hoping you'd get used to the cacophony. But yeah, I'd make note of, but not wig out over, a clunk here or there for a few weeks.

Bottom line:

Maybe the mounts, maybe settling, maybe a component that was deficient although new.