Hello,

I noticed recently that my '05 XJ8 VDP has developing a creaking/groaning noise when the trunk is being loaded or unloaded. Not sure what is causing this. Sounds like an old door opening slowly in a haunted house.

If the car is running it doesn't do it, but if I park the car and turn off the engine, then have someone get in or out of the backseat, or sit on the rear bumper, there is a creaking noise and the rear goes down a bit. If I then start the car the rear immediately self levels and all is fine - sitting in the rear seat or sitting in the open trunk area produces no creaking/groaning noise. Shut the car off, and the same movements do cause the noise. Is this age-related rubber deterioration on the bushings perhaps? Car has 199k on it. Rear shocks are original, front shocks were replaced with OEM shocks 18 months ago. Previous owner says rear bushings were replaced in 2009.

When car was in for oil change last month I asked about creaking and was told 'monitor this issue - no immediate action required'.

Any thoughts on where the haunted house door hinge effect sounds are coming from when weight (over 100 lbs) is applied or removed? The front of the car does not do this - sitting on the front bumper or getting in or out of the front seats does not produce any groaning/creaking noises - only at the rear of the car does this come up. It sounds louder with the weight being applied to the trunk/rear bumper than it does with the rear seats. Also, when driving and going over rough pavement there are no audible creaks or groans, only when the car is off and in park.

Thanks

 

Mine were making noises. The rubber was gone on both. 99k miles.