Creaking noise still there after replacing the struts front and back, do they need to wear in?

Tiny
MEOW2K47
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  • 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 3.9L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
Had struts replaced front and back. Do they need to wear in?
I still have that creaking noise.
Wednesday, March 26th, 2025 AT 3:53 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 14,129 POSTS
Shouldn't need to wear in. Creaking can be multiple things. Control arm bushings, sway bar links, even the subframe itself can creak if the mounts are failing. When do you normally hear it, and can you duplicate it by pushing down on the vehicle's fenders or bumpers?
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Thursday, March 27th, 2025 AT 4:55 AM
Tiny
MEOW2K47
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When you back up and going forward it makes the creaking sound and just driving also. Doesn't make any sound when pushing down fender or bumper. Had control arms and ball joint assembly replaced a year ago.
Also sway bar links were done also.
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Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025 AT 4:55 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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Chassis noises can be hard to track down. What most shops use is a tool called a chassis ear. Basically a few microphones that you attach around the suspected areas, then you switch each mic on and off while listening to where the sound gets louder. Then you move them to that spot and repeat until you find where the sound is loudest. With a creaking like you have where it is only while driving and not there when you bounce it suggests it isn't the suspension bushings but something that rotates, like a bad CV joint or a failing bearing, especially if it's a rhythmic sounds. Using a tool to track it down would make it much faster, but I know of folks you buy a couple cheap wireless mics and use them in a similar fashion.
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Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025 AT 7:58 PM
Tiny
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Does the strut assembly come with everything you need to replace struts, or could there be other parts that should have been replaced at same time?
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Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 AT 8:07 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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The struts won't creak just from driving. They creak when turning or hitting rough roads. It depends on the strut. If they used a loaded strut, those come with all the pieces attached.
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Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 AT 12:50 PM
Tiny
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Thank you for the knowledge.
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Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 AT 8:02 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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You're welcome.
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Friday, April 4th, 2025 AT 3:56 PM

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