Hello all,
Car: 2000 STS, 101K miles
Current Symptoms: a creaking/cricking/sometimes clunking noise that happens under forward braking only. Braking while going in reverse makes no noise. The creaking is noticeable when braking at most any speed (from walking speed until the wind/road noise covers it). Pushing down on the front end reveals a creak from the front left end.
Previous symptoms: The creaking used to show up when turning the wheels left and right, but replacing the outer tie rod ends helped a lot. The stabilizer bar to control arm links were also replaced, and this mostly eliminated the clunk as well.
Accident history: In December 2006, due to a wet slick road (what happens when a road gets rained on for the first time in 3 months: all the oily stuff collected rises to the surface), overconfidence in the wet grip ability of the Michelin Hydroedge tires, and unfamiliarity with the handling of the STS (in spite of stabilitrak)
the following happened:
Taking a right hand turn, I understeered into a concrete curb, HARD (impact speed of about 35 miles an hour). The result: Damage severe enough for me to call the insurance company, in spite of the $1000 deductible.
To the credit of Cadillac construction, the STS was still drivable enough for me to limp it home, 7 miles out. he replaced parts included the rim and tire, lower control arm, and engine cradle (which had bent in from the force of the impact).
I'm thinking of the front left strut mount and stabilizer bar bushings as remaining culprits.
Ideas?
