Quote:
Originally Posted by CapeX5
Rear subframe bushings. They go all the time and it is a common problem. You can do it yourself if you wish, but need a special tool to remove/install. There is a guy here who rents it out. That job is on my list for the next month. You should be able to jack the rear end up and see the bushings as the subframe hangs down. You can see if they are torn/deteriorated.
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Subframe bushings life is usually over 75,000 miles and more often over 100,000 miles. Subframe bushing replacement is a normal suspension maintenance item as is the rest of the front and rear suspension in that range of miles.
The bushings are a press fit into the subframe. The subframe will not hang down by just jacking up the vehicle. To confirm the condition of the bushings the bolts securing the bushings to the subframe should be removed and the subframe pried down far enough to see if the rubber part surrounding the metal center is partially or completely separated. When the metal center section is separated from the rubber surround there is usually a very evident clunking noise when first pulling away from a full stop.
While the subframe bushings could be worn out there is no reason to conclude that is the case at this time without more troubleshooting that the creaking noise is due to subframe bushing failure.