22 · Diagnostics

Front suspension noise (creaking/squeaking)

Make: Fiat
Model: Croma Factory Service Manual
Year: 2005–2010
Section: Noise / vibrations › Front suspension noise (creaking/squeaking)

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Fault diagnosisFront suspension noise (creaking/squeaking)

FRONT SUSPENSION NOISE (CREAKING/SQUEAKING)

Whilst driving, especially on unmade roads, there is creaking coming from the front suspension. This diagnosis can only be made after

See table

. Carry out the latter first.

If the problem is only on one side, carry out the checks and any operations on the appropriate side only.

0	PRELIMINARY CHECKS	All OK	Problems encountered	Operation
		Test results
	Having carried out the road test, see the Table S15 RUMOROSITA'' in condizioni di marcia , there was a creaking noise from the front. Continue depending on the circumstances in which the noise occurs	End of diagnosis	The noise only occurs whilst moving	Move on to Step 1
1	DUST COVER CHECK	All OK	Problems encountered	Operation
	Check that the dust cover is not rubbing against the shock absorber casing, by moving it and applying pressure and releasing it above the shock absorber casing Also check the condition of the dust guard in the upper connection area with the spring.	Move on to Step 2	1. There is rubbing	1. Replace the dust cover Op. 4410A12 FRONT SUSPENSION DAMPER (ONE), LH OR RH - FOR MCPHERSON STRUT SYSTEM - INCLUDES DISMANTLING/REASSEMBLY OF ASSEMBLY AT BENCH - R.R
		Move on to Step 2	2. Dust guard not intact in the upper area of connection with the spring.	2. Replace the dust cover Op. 4410A12 FRONT SUSPENSION DAMPER (ONE), LH OR RH - FOR MCPHERSON STRUT SYSTEM - INCLUDES DISMANTLING/REASSEMBLY OF ASSEMBLY AT BENCH - R.R
2	CHECKS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT	All OK	Problems encountered	Operation
	Check that there are no pipes, cables or shields that could cause interference when the engine moves.	Move on to Step 3	Components incorrectly positioned.	Reposition the components correctly.
3	UNDERFLOOR CHECK	All OK	Problems encountered	Operation
	Position the vehicle on a two column lift and raise it.	Move on to Step 4	Pipes or heat shields incorrectly fastened	Renew the correct fastening.
3	UNDERFLOOR CHECK	All OK	PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED	ACTION
	Position the vehicle on a two column lift and raise it. Check that there are no pipes or heat shields under the floor that are producing noise Also check that springs on the layout brackets are not a source of noise See Test 4410AF CHECK OF STATE OF SPRINGS ON LAYOUT BRACKETS	Move on to Step 4	1. Pipes or heat shields incorrectly fastened	1. Renew the correct fastening.
		Move on to Step 4	2. Springs or rubber mountings damaged.	2. Replace the faulty components.
4	CHECK WISHBONE BUSHES AND PIN	All OK	Problems encountered	Operation
	Check for signs of rubbing between the front wishbone bush and its seat Check also for signs of rubbing on the outer side (in the direction of motion) of the rear bush and its seat as shown in the See Test 4410AA CHECK ON CORRECT FITTING OF END OF TRAVEL BUFFER ON FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER	Move on to Step 5	1. Signs of rubbing noticed between the front bushing and its seat.	1. Lubricate the elements with silicone grease
		Move on to Step 5	2. Signs of rubbing noted on the outer side (in the direction of motion) between the rear bushing and its seat.	2. Replace the rear bushing Op. 4410B52 FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER TRACK CONTROL ARM REAR BUSH LEFT OR RIGHT - REPLACE AT BENCH The use of unsuitable lubricants can adversely affect the operation of the component.
5	ANTI-ROLL BAR CHECKS	All OK	Problems encountered	Operation
	Check that there are no faults with the anti-roll bar See Test 4410CA Verifiche sulla barra stabilizzatrice More specifically: Anti-roll bar correctly positioned in relation to the centre-line of the vehicle condition (crumbling) of centre flexible mountings in the contact area with the bar; Front fastenings tightened to torque between bar and chassis Fastenings tightened to torque between bar and shock absorber connecting rod. After disconnecting the upper ball joint of the shock absorber connection rod, also check that the antiroll bar does not show signs of squeaking/creaking in the central flexible blocks upon manual movement when a symmetrical load is applied.	Move on to Step 6	1. Torque tightenings not correct	1. Restore the correct tightness
			2. Bar not correctly positioned	2. Replace the anti-roll bar Op. 4410C10
			3. Signs of tearing or damage to the central flexible mountings	3. Replace the central flexible blocks.
			4. Signs of tearing on the ball joint gaiters	4. Replace the anti-roll bar Op. 4410C10 FRONT SUSPENSION ANTI-ROLL BAR - R+R - CHECK WHEEL GEOMETRY SEPARATELY
			5. Loose rod operates jerkily	5. Replace the rod Op. 4410C12 FRONT SUSPENSION ANTI ROLL BAR JOINT (END) (ONE), LH OR RH - R.R
			6. Creaking/squeaking of central bar flexible mounts upon manual movement.	6. Replace the anti-roll bar Op. 4410C10 FRONT SUSPENSION ANTI-ROLL BAR - R+R - CHECK WHEEL GEOMETRY SEPARATELY
6	SPRING/SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLY CHECK	All OK	Problems encountered	Operation
	Check the three bolts securing the block to the bod (on the shock absorber domes) are tightened to torque. Also check that the positioning and the fitting of the semi-corner assembly (spring-shock absorber assembly) is correct. See Test 4410AE CHECK ON CORRECT POSITIONING OF SPRING/SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLY To check this alignment, remove the semicorner fastening to the body and fastening to the knuckle. Check the condition of the lower spring ring and the rubber coating of the gaiter on the fastening above the spring. Check that there are no signs of rubbing on the suspension spring at its supports. Also check that the spring shows no signs of wear If the spring shows signs of abrasion, its mechanical properties could be weakened as a result of oxidation.	End of diagnosis	1. Semi corner units incorrectly positioned or fitted.	1. Restore the correct fitting/positioning of the components
			2. Signs of tearing of lower rubber ring.	2. Repalce the lower rubber ring and ensure it is correctly oriented Op. 4410A12 FRONT SUSPENSION DAMPER (ONE), LH OR RH - FOR MCPHERSON STRUT SYSTEM - INCLUDES DISMANTLING/REASSEMBLY OF ASSEMBLY AT BENCH - R.R
			3. Signs of tearing in dust gaiter rubber coating on the upper part of the attachment with the spring.	3. Replace the dust cover Op. 4410A12 FRONT SUSPENSION DAMPER (ONE), LH OR RH - FOR MCPHERSON STRUT SYSTEM - INCLUDES DISMANTLING/REASSEMBLY OF ASSEMBLY AT BENCH - R.R
			4. Spring worn.	4. Replace the shock absorber spring and check the consistency of the identification plate on the corresponding coil of the lower shock absorber spring plate. Op. 4410A12 FRONT SUSPENSION DAMPER (ONE), LH OR RH - FOR MCPHERSON STRUT SYSTEM - INCLUDES DISMANTLING/REASSEMBLY OF ASSEMBLY AT BENCH - R.R
			5. Check the condition of the paint on the top part of the plate.	5. Only replace the shock absorber if there is obvious abrasion Op. 4410A12 FRONT SUSPENSION DAMPER (ONE), LH OR RH - FOR MCPHERSON STRUT SYSTEM - INCLUDES DISMANTLING/REASSEMBLY OF ASSEMBLY AT BENCH - R.R

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Parts & tools for this job For 2005 Fiat Croma

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