Squeak or Creak Type Noise on Accel, Decel, Over Bumps or Garage Shifts - keywords arm body bolt clunk control driveshaft floor flame front knocking loose lumber mount pan pop propshaft rear shift

This PI has been revised to update wording in Condition/Concern section. Please discard PIT3751A.

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Owners may comment of a creak or squeak type noise on acceleration, deceleration, over bumps, turns or garage shifts. This noise may sound like it is from the front or the rear of the vehicle. This noise could be coming from the rear lower control arm bushings. The squeak is caused by relative movement of the bushing to the control arm flange.

THIS NOISE CAN SOUND LIKE IT IS COMING FROM THE PROPSHAFT. DO NOT REPLACE THE PROPSHAFT FOR THIS CONDITION.

Note: This noise may be felt or heard using chassis ears like it is coming from along the entire frame side rail or body mount areas. In some cases the noise may sound like loose lumber while driving on a minimally rough road surface while driving straight or turning.

To help isolate the noise to the control arm bushing spray penetrating oil (example WD-40 or equivalent) on the bushing to the control arm area. If the noise is eliminated or reduced, replace the control arm assembly.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.