184000581 - S16 FRONT SUSPENSION NOISE (CREAK/SQUEAK)

Whilst driving, especially on unmade roads, there is creaking coming from the front suspension. This diagnosis can only be made after     See table S15 VEHICLE RUNNING NOISE . Carry out the latter first.
If the problem is only on one side, carry out the checks and any operations on the appropriate side only.
Results of the tests
0PRELIMINARY CHECKSAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Having carried out the road test, see the Table S15 RUMOROSITA' in condizioni di marcia , there was a creaking noise from the front.Continue depending on the circumstances in which the noise occursEnd of diagnosisThe noise is noticeable during steering, even with the vehicle stationaryMove on to Step 1 1
The noise is noticeable during steering, even with the vehicle stationaryMove on to Step 2 1
1MC PHERSON MOVING ELEMENTS CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check that the noise is not caused by the movement of the shock absorber buffer plate (visible from the engine compartment side)End of diagnosisThe buffer plate is looseTighten the upper nut to torque so that the buffer plate does not move any more
There is contact between the rubber part of the plate and the bodyshellPlace a shim no larger than 2 mm in between
2DUST COVER CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check that the dust cover is not rubbing against the shock absorber casing, by moving it and applying pressure and releasing it above the shock absorber casingMove on to Step 3 1There is rubbingReplace the end of travel buffer
3END OF TRAVEL BUFFER CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check that the end of travel buffer is correctly inserted in its housing by carrying out the Test 4410AA Move on to Step 4 1End of travel buffer not correctly insertedRefit the buffer correctly
4CHECKS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENTAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check that there are no pipes, cables or shields that could cause interference when the engine movesMove on to Step 5 1Components incorrectly positionedReposition the components correctly
5CHECKS UNDER THE FLOORAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Position the vehicle on a two column lift and raise it.Check that there are no pipes or heat shields under the floor that are producing noiseMove on to Step 6 1Pipes or heat shields incorrectly fastenedRenew the correct fastening
6THRUST BUSHES CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check that there are no signs of rubbing between the bushes and their seatsMove on to Step 7 1Signs of rubbing detectedLubricate the elements with silicon grease
The use of unsuitable lubricants can adversely affect the operation of the component
7ANTI-ROLL BAR CHECKSAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check that there are no faults with the anti-roll bar See Test 4410CA Verifiche sulla barra stabilizzatrice

More specifically:

  • Anti-roll bar correctly positioned in relation to the centre-line of the vehicle
  • Paint not worn at the points where the bar and the track control arms come into contact
  • Flexible mounting in the contact area with the bar intact
  • Fastenings between bar and chassis
  • Fastenings between bar and track control arms
Move on to Step 8 1Torque tightenings not correctRestore the correct tightness
Bar not correctly positionedReplace the anti-roll bar Op. 4410C10
Paint worn at the contact points (rubbing between bar and crossmember and bar and track control arm)Replace the anti-roll bar Op. 4410C10
Signs of tearing or damage to the flexible mountings in the centre or at the endsReplace the anti-roll bar Op. 4410C10
8SPRING/SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLY CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check that the mountings fastening the suspension to the bodyshell (at the shock absorber turrets) do not show signs of wear on account of rubbing.The shock absorber must be removed for this check Op. 4410A12 Check the condition of the lower spring seal.Also check that the positioning and the fitting of the semi-corner assembly (spring-shock absorber assembly) is correct.Check that there are no signs of rubbing on the suspension spring at its supports.Also check that the spring shows no signs of wear
If the spring shows signs of abrasion, its mechanical properties could be weakened as a result of oxidation
End of diagnosisPositioning or fitting of semi-corner assembly not correctRestore the correct fitting/positioning of the components
Signs of tearing on the rubberized plateReplace the components making sure that they are correctly position (spring in contact with the lower plate projection)
Spring wornReplace the shock absorber spring Op. 4410A12
Signs of rubbing between the spring and its supports (lower seal or upper seal). Check the condition of the paint on the top part of the plate.Only replace the shock absorber if there is obvious abrasion
The spring-shock absorber assembly should be correctly fitted by positioning the mounting paralle to the brake disc and the tab should be positioned in the opposite direction to the direction of travel of the vehicle.