Hi all, My GT4 has starting creaking at the rear end. I figure it's something like suspension bushes. Basically if I push the car down from the outside it creaks. If I sit in it and bounce a little it creaks. Could it just be that everything is dry? as it's not been out in the rain since I've owned it, but didn't creak in winter. Is the suspension supposed to be lubricated with say silicone spray ? Any help on where to start looking would be appretiated. Lee '77 GT4
is the emergency brake on or off when you are pushing the rear end down? I think my makes that sound when the brake is on, but not when it's off. you might want to try that.
Hmm, it's off. It also happens when I'm moving and dabbing the brakes - i.e. making the suspension move. Lee
Sounds like your A-arm bushings. ( If it is in you rear end, , , add some sawdust, then sell the car. LOL)
I think you need to get it on a ramp and go underside while somebody has a little bounce on top, you will soon see and hear the dry bush. You can then decide if some spray lube will do the job, or if its a bigger job. I have also come accross the same problem being the parking brake not fully comming off, so best check that also. Its a shame you are so far away, I would have a look with you. GoodLuck Mark
But quickER with my "cheating" technique!! http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49955 Birdman
Man that looks easy! I'll get some ES bushes on order. I've done similar jobs on 70's Fiats. thanks Birdman, I guess this article should also be on your site. Lee '77 GT4
I've had a chance to get underneath. The creaking/clicking is comming from the driver side (RHD). When I touch any part of the a-arm or anti roll bar and pull down on the car I get a series of clicks. I can only pull so far obviously. The bushes actually look ok-ish with just some splitting where you can see the rubber. When I release the car to allow the suspension to return I don't get any noise. Only on the down movement. It looks like some of the bushes around the rear end have already been done. Could it also be the shock bush ? I'm going to pull the wheel when I get time and start by unbolting the lower shock mount. I think this should also allow me to move the suspension up and down a bit more. Lee '77 GT4 RHD
I dismantled the rear suspension (driver side, RHD) over the last two days. The inner bushes looked split where the rubber pertrudes from the metal part of the bush, but with the hub unbolted the A-arms felt stiff and springy with no noticable play by hand. I pulled both top and bottom arms to clean them off and inspect them further. The lower outer bushes were dry with some rust, so I cleaned all the parts of the upper and lower outer bushes and reasembled them with fresh copper grease. They really need the thrust washers replacinig as they were pitted, but the sleeve bearings seemed ok. I also rubber greased the anti-rollbar rubbers, then built it all back up. Took it to work today and didn't here a creak at all so I reckon the lower outer bush thrust faces were really dry and had kind of seized. It's an easy job, so I'll be replacing some of the outer bush parts soon. I also take a look at the other side, but this time do a photo shoot and write-up for Birdman's website. Lee '77 308 GT4
