My car (X150) has developed a creaking at the rear end, presumably suspension, at just under 20,000 miles. Has anyone experienced this, and what is the answer?

 

Like old folks, neglected joints complain.

The car is saying it needs driven more and sitting less. Mine made some oddball noises but finally quieted down after a month of actually using it.

 

I agree with Ranchero.

What year is the car? Organic parts, like rubber suspension bushings, can start giving out after ~ 10 years or so, even if the has not been driven. Or replacement parts that have been sitting in a warehouse for a long time. (Beware of NOS)

 

Its a 2013 car with 20k on it so I would hope that the rubber bushes etc are not wearing out yet!

The best way I could describe it would be to compare it with the noise from sitting in a leather chair.

I have had suggestions that it could be the rear suspension bushes lacking lubrication?

 

OK a five year old car with 20K miles should not have worn bushing.

Rubber part generally don't like oil and grease. I would not lubricate them.

Those noises are hard to find. If it makes the noise when you push up and down on rear end with the car parked it is easier to find. If it is only when driving then you need to see exactly what conditions cause it. All the time, turning right, turning left, acceleration, braking, over bumps, over potholes, etc. Then figure what is moving on the car when this happens and inspect those points.

 

I think mine was the suspension just moving as it articulated over bumps at slow speed. Almost sure it was the strut shaft on the seal and thought about spritzing some oil up there if it kept it up but it went away.

 

Google "rubber lubricant". Numerous products, usually silicon-based, out there in spray form. I've used a simple silicon spray. Good to have the wheels fully unloaded (typical chassis hoist) when spraying joints as clearances tend to be greater than when chassis is loaded on wheels.

 

Determine what rubber your bushings are made from.
Google "chemical resistance" for your bushing material.
Select a lubricant with good or excellent resistance and you should be fine.

or if you don't know what rubber your bushing are made from:

Google "rubber chemical resistance"
See how many lubricants do not affect a majority of possible rubber materials.
Determine if you are comfortable lubing your bushings with something that might or might not affect them.

 

Thank you for your input.