Hello all. Trying to narrow down the likely source of a squeaking noise when I accelerate. Car is on full ES suspension (black bushing) with ~20k miles since installation, they were all greased properly when installed. Also on D2 coilovers, unknown miles but well over 20k. ES front/rear motor mounts + NWP torque bar. The car is a 02’ with 6spd trans.

The problem is on acceleration, especially at low speeds, I am getting a rapid squeaking/chittering noise. I am leaning against it being a suspension component as it happens only on acceleration, not when breaking, and im not noticing it going over bumps in the road. My first guess is that it might be the transmission mount, as to my knowledge it is original, so perhaps it is worn out. Alternatively, could it be possible that it is something inside the transmission creating the noise? It happens both while shifting gears and already being in gear so im also leaning it not being something inside the trans, plus it does not sound like any example of trans noise I could find. My last guess is that it has something to do with the coilovers, but it seems to come from the front of the car only, and again only on acceleration.

I know its impossible to say without actually hearing the noise but if anyone has dealt with a squeaky, chittering noise from the front end and figured out what caused it, i am all ears - just trying to save myself from firing the parts cannon needlessly. Despite my best efforts I have not found a way to narrow down where its coming from as I can only reproduce it while driving and any recordings Ive attempted pick up too much ambient noise. Thanks all in advance.

 

front lower control arm bushing is wasted and allowed the control arm to contact the large washer. the poly bushings allow the control arm to "slide" front to rear. mine did it and i got tired of it so i went back to normal bushings.

 

Does it happen at a certain RPM? Could it be a chatty idler pulley?

 

My thought as well …

Also, does it only occur under load or will it show up while in Park and increasing RPMs?

 

I think this is a likely candidate. In your case, was it only on acceleration? Or did you hear it in other situations?


I notice it mostly in 1st thru 3rd gear in the lower rpms while accelerating. I dont think that it goes away in higher gears and speeds, but with the noise of the motor and 3” exhaust I can no longer hear it once i get going. The noise is only present while under load, while in neutral and revving there is no noise present. I tried briefly cranking the e brake all the way up and giving it gas to see if I could get the motor to torque around but I didnt notice any noise then, although i was at a random red light and didnt get a chance to try multiple times. As of now im only noticing it while accelerating, ie; weight is being shifted to the rear of the car. I dont hear it when letting off the gas or braking.

 

I’d suggest that your first step, before you decide notable parts and pieces need to torn apart or replaced, be to check your serpentine belt tension, the condition of the belt itself and the condition of the belt tensioner.

Many times, I’ve found, Occum’s Razor is a for real thing.

 

Tensioner was replaced within the last few years. Both belts were replaced about a month ago and tension is right where it needs to be. Problem has persisted before and after, so unfortunately as much as id love it to be a tensioner issue, it appears something else is the culprit.

 

Get under the hood with a probe-stethoscope, while your friend drives it, and poke around...

 

Unfortunately it only seems to make the noise while the car is in motion. I tried probing around while parked in neutral, pushing down on the suspension, etc etc but I cant seem to replicate the noise unless im actually moving.

 

What else did you think I meant? Lol

 

Just don't fall out. Hang onto something solid, you'll be fine

 

lol. Not sure if i trust anyone enough to not buck me off the hood and mess me up. I guess ill keep that in my back pocket as a last resort.

 

very light accel or maintaining speed (basically neighborhood speeds) as anything above about 45 or higher load accel everything else was too loud.

 

question for you, were you able to get away with just changing the big bushing? Or did you swap out the whole control arm?

 

I couldnt find just the bushing from any of my suppliers so i changed both arms.