Creaking sound from rear

[white46]

I've been hearing this creaking sound from rear for some time.
It happens when stop and go, and when the car goes over drive way or speed bump in angle.
It's not squeaking, it more sounds like creaking. Sounds like when you step on old wood floor.

I've found similar post where my creaking sounds like. Click on below pic to play video, at about 10sec.


I thought it was rear ball joint, so I replaced that with integral link, but the sound is still there.
Also I've adjusted rear hatch bump stop, but it didn't work either.

Where should I look now?
I'm thinking to replace rear upper control arms (33326770859 and 33326770860) along with rear subframe bushings.

Thanks.

[NYCSterling]

Had that creak also.. it went away by itself... came from all corners.. drove me nuts... Seems to occur when the air is humid etc... but that's just a guess.
It stopped by itself and have not heard it back since the winter.

[bcredliner]

The cause of the creak could be many things. I would not be replacing anything until the location is at least narrowed down with troubleshooting. The sources of noises can be very misleading. Did you drive with the rear hatch open to see if it goes away? You can try spraying penetrating oil on bushings one or two at a time, driving each time after you do to see if that solves the problem. Subframe bushing failure usually comes with a thump over bumps. Could be sway bar links and could even be in the brakes. Could be hatch cover. Could be spare tire or battery etc.

[StephenVA]

[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.

[white46]

Thanks for the input.

Cape, what is your plan for the exhaust mount that goes under subframe bushing?

[Spanker]

Originally Posted by white46

Thanks for the input.

Cape, what is your plan for the exhaust mount that goes under subframe bushing?

I did mine. Do not cut it off as some might suggest. I think the muffler support is weak without that mount and could cause problems down the line. Heat exhaust mount and bend it out of the way. You can do it with one of those yellow propane torches and a long wrench for leverage. It was very fast and easy.

I didn't use the special tool. Used a saw-all and then an air hammer. Was a PITA, but once I did one, the others were easy. Special tool highly recommended.

[bcredliner]

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.

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.

[HDUB]

I've been having the squeak/creaking noise from my 01 E53 LHR for about a month and been driving me crazy!!! Finally narrowed down to Wishbone control arms. It was fairly easy to replace and I did NOT need to remove the strut, just the brake caliper.
Thanks for the posts.
The car is no long aligned tho; is that normal? I didn't mess with anything else, especially in the front.
Thanks

[white46]

My problem was rear subframe bushings. When I removed them, it was long gone.

^
I think you will need to get alignment.