GM Rattle or Creak Noise From Front Suspension

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GM Rattle or Creak Noise From Front Suspension

The noise may be originating from the front lower control arm front bushing. Here's how to correct it.

Brake and Front End Staff
By Brake and Front End Staff
Published:

Models:

2013-2017 Buick Enclave 

Related Articles

2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse 

2013-2016 GMC Acadia 

2017 GMC Acadia (Limited) 

Reference Number(s): 

PIT5563B 

Situation:

Rattle or creak noise at slow speeds over bumps or broken pavement. 

Cause :

The noise may be originating from the front lower control arm front bushing. 

Correction :

If the noise cannot be pinpointed and after a thorough visual inspection of all front suspension parts and chassis ears have not identified the origination of the noise, replace the front lower control arm front bushing on the side that is making the noise. Follow the entire service procedure in SI as written. The torque sequence of the bushing is critical to resolving the issue. 

Replacing the entire control arm may be more advantageous for your customer, depending on the mileage and condition of the suspension components. 

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Chassis

Buick Encore Alignment Service

Alignments are key to the health of the tires and some of the advanced safety systems like automatic emergency braking and lane keeping.

Andrew Markel
By Andrew Markel
Andrew Markel is the director of content for Brake & Front End magazine. He has been with Babcox Media for 20 years. He is a technician and former service writer and holds several automotive certifications from ASE and ­aftermarket manufacturers. He can be reached at [email protected].
Published:

The 2012-2022 Buick Encore is based on the Gamma II platform that is shared with the Chevy Trax. This has been the best-selling Buick for several years. Like a lot of modern vehicles, the alignment specs are tight with almost no adjustments built in except for toe. However, alignments are key to the health of the tires and some of the advanced safety systems like automatic emergency braking and lane keeping.
Front Suspension
The front suspension on the Encore has a single lower control arm and MacPherson struts. Some models have a suspension dampener on the front bolt of the lower control arm. The part helps to control vibration that could be transmitted to the subframe. If the caster is out of specification, look at the bushings on the lower control arm for damage. Camber can be adjusted by installing cam bolts in the lower hole of the strut mount. This should give ±1.75 degrees of adjustability. Inspection of the lower control arm is a critical part of aligning the Encore. The arm can be bent due to curb strikes and the bushings can quickly deteriorate. Also, inspect the sway bar links for any signs the ends have play.
Rear Suspension
The Encore comes in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. Both versions use a trailing arm beam axle. The camber and toe for the front-wheel-drive version can be adjusted with shims. Unfortunately, there are no adjustments for the all-wheel-drive version. If camber or toe are out of specification in the rear, look for a damaged wheel. If the thrust angle is out of specifications, inspect the trailing arm bushings.

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