My X creaks a bit....? Update Weasel?

[skiboats]

We live off an uneven alley while slowly rolling the rear suspension creaks a little. I can make it happen if I push down on it. Noticeable when going back up. Not terribly annoying, but wondered if it is normal or what to check in to.

[jst2878]

shocks?

[Weasel]

Also check the center mounts of the sway bar... as the rubber ages it can let the bar creak through it. BMW does not want them to be greased, (as the rubber is not designed for grease)but I could suggest removing and cleaning/greasing them (just the inner part the bar goes through obviously) for diagnosis sake with a smear of vaseline/petroleum jelly.

Otherwise it could be the shock tops or any of the ball sockets of the control arms, lower ball joint etc.

[Engz]

Also check your control arm bushing.

[skiboats]

Thanks Folks

[skiboats]

I took my car in to the dealer to have the squeaking checked.

Tech put it on a lift and came back to me and said it needed a rear upper control arm. That it did not have any play in it but was starting to wear. Hence the noise.

I asked they try to put it through my extended warranty. The service advisor called it in and it was declined. they said they would give me a discount and do it for $450.00 and to give it some thought, not critical.

After a day or so I got to thinking about it and pulled out my warranty. I have a warranty administerd by Fidelity, They also provide Hyundai's warranty which is pretty good I believe. My dealer is also a Hyundai dealer and it was the best warranty at time of purchase to get.

I have the best coverage they offer.

It clearly lists rear suspension upper control arm and bushings as a covered component.

So I call back, this time I speak to the service manager of the whole auto group, mind you I have known him 25+ years as My brother has been general manager of the whole deal for over 30 years.

The warranty administrater called the rep direct, and went over the situation.

He said it is a wear and tear item and would normaly need to be replaced at my mileage. 70,000. Is this true?

The rep called my brother and my brother called me. They, (the warranty company) say they will make an exception, since I am Tony's brother and do the repair, but it will be the last time they do an unautorized repair. In other words I can call in a favor, but only one time.

So I guess I don't want to take advantage of a so called huge favor for a $450 repair, if in fact it is a standard maintenance item. Something more catastrophic may happen in the future.

But why then do they list the upper control arm as a covered component. It is the stamped wish bone around $300 or so.

Any thoughts?

Can it be greased for now? The car drives fine just an annoying squeak.

Sorry for the long post.

[LeiZ]

Great story! Learned a bit.

Not quite sure about the warranty stuff, but the squeak sound happened to mine several weeks ago after a heavy rain. It was in the front end. But it just disappeared 2 weeks later, I did nothing. Now I'm guessing there's a good chance your control arm bushing is worn and needs to be replaced. But both online, and ask a tech to put them on. (Don't know whether it'll void your warranty......)

[rayxi]

Could be the distinction between a worn part and a part failure. If the control arm cracked it would be covered. If the bushing is worn then it's maintenance.

[Weasel]

Originally Posted by rayxi

Could be the distinction between a worn part and a part failure. If the control arm cracked it would be covered. If the bushing is worn then it's maintenance.

Eh, that's a double edged sword... if the control arm is bent or cracked they would say it is from impact damage and decline. I'd be curious as to what defects they say are covored. The bushings on those rear upper control arms are solid, so 19 times of 20 the problem is with the ball joint end of it, which is what you would think is covered.

[skiboats]

Thanks Weasel, My bro is trying to get it covered without the so called drop dead final favor.

Next time you are in Buffalo I'll take you to the Anchor Bar for some wings!