Squeeking from Front of Car?

badrhino · #1 (**permalink**) 09-25-09, 03:20 PM

Wel I have narrowed the squeeking down to the front of the car in the engine compartment. Somewhere in the area of the lower radiator/front lower motor/front bank exhaust.

The squeek occurs when the car rocks rearward and motor rolls with torque. Even when parked you can rock the car back and forth and it will squeek. It sounds as if it is coming form the front lower engine area as if the exhaust might be rubbing on somethin when engine slightly rocks when force is applied.

I haven't been able to get under it yet to see. I would have to remove all of the lower plastic covering the lower front of the car.

Has anyone else ever had this problem and what is it?

**Ranger** · #2 (**permalink**) 09-25-09, 04:20 PM

There is a motor mount right there. They usually don't squeak, but do seem to be problematic. You'll see it when you pull the splash shield.

drewsdeville · #3 (**permalink**) 09-25-09, 05:59 PM

Description is kind of vague. Like ranger said, the motor mount is a problematic area, but this noise happens by rocking the car shut off?

Are you sure it's rocking with back and forth motion or up/down motion.

I'd have to guess the strut rod bushings. These can sometimes be an area of concern.

Maybe subframe bushings?

**Ranger** · #4 (**permalink**) 09-25-09, 09:37 PM

Quote:

The squeek occurs when the car rocks rearward and motor rolls with torque.

This is what makes me think motor mount.

badrhino · #5 (**permalink**) 10-05-09, 08:40 PM

Yes, the squeek is when either the car is driving when leaving a stop or rolling on the power. And it also does it if the car is parked and you roll the car back and forth. You can also get it to do it a little when pushing down on the front of the car as it too will make the motor roll a bit from the driveline being locked.

The noise is definately coming from the lower front of the car by the engine/front clip/lower radiator.

the recluse · #6 (**permalink**) 10-05-09, 09:24 PM

When parked, it's hard to move the engine enough to produce a squeek at the motor mount, I myself am thinking strut rod/control arm bushings also...

jcresciSTS · #7 (**permalink**) 10-06-09, 11:30 AM

Sound like this? http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...end-noise.html (Front end noise)

I push down on the bumper on the passenger side and it makes this noise.

the recluse · #8 (**permalink**) 10-06-09, 06:52 PM

Bad isolator on the spring? Definitely has the spring sound.

badrhino · #9 (**permalink**) 10-08-09, 02:15 AM

Sounds similar, but mine is higher pitched and sounds like metal on metal.

badrhino · #10 (**permalink**) 10-21-09, 03:49 PM

Ok, I spent around 2 hours under neith the front of the car the other day. Had it on ramps. I checked everywhere and could not figure out where it was coming from. It stil sounds as if it is coming from the lower front of the motor. When you get in the car with it running and shift the car from neutral to drive with the brake on(for saftey reasons) the squeek will happen every time when the trans. engages and when you disengage force on the motor/trans. And as I said before when the car is on the ground (in park)you can make it squeek by pushing the car back and forth put tension on the drive train.

Can someone please help me with this matter as it is getting worse. Any suggestions. I don't think it has to do with the suspension at all.

submariner409 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-21-09, 07:26 PM

Do some searching for Intermediate Steering Shaft, that slip-joint universal coupling which ties the lower end of the steering column to the steering rack. FWD Cadillac has had a lot of noise problems with them, particularly in the 2000+ vehicle run.

badrhino · #12 (**permalink**) 10-21-09, 11:28 PM

I'll look that up but is that going to cause the squeek when load and no load is put on the drivetrain? Wouldn't that make noise when turning instead?

stssteve · #13 (**permalink**) 10-22-09, 03:11 AM

Spray some white lithium grease into the lower control arm bushings and let it work in. If the sound quiets for a bit, then the lower control arm bushings need to be replaced. This same thing happened on my 98.

submariner409 · #14 (**permalink**) 10-22-09, 09:17 AM

The body and steering column are divorced from the powertrain cradle: the steering rack is attached to the powertrain cradle. Every time you touch or release the gas pedal the engine torques, or when you turn, there is movement between the steering column and rack, the slide joint moves in and out, and GM has had trouble with (a lot) of customer complaints for squeaks and moans there.

Also try ststeve's temporary fix, but use WD-40. If that's the problem, less mess to clean up......

badrhino · #15 (**permalink**) 10-24-09, 01:13 AM

Alright, now that makes since. I will try the lithium grease/WD40 and have a look at that slide joint to see if that is where it is coming from.