23 · Diagnostics

Front suspension noise (creaking/squeaking)

Make: Alfa Romeo
Model: 159 Factory Service Manual
Year: 2005–2011
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
		Results of the tests
	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 is noticeable during steering, even with the vehicle stationary	Move on to Step 1
		End of diagnosis	The noise is noticeable during steering, even with the vehicle stationary	Move on to Step 6
1	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 2	Components incorrectly positioned.	Reposition the components correctly.
2	SPRING/SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLY CHECK	All OK	Problems encountered	Operation
	Check that the shock absorber spring assembly is correctly inserted in its attachment housing in the bodyshell, carrying out the See Test 4410AB CHECKING RUBBER BLOCK AND BEARING ON FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER	Move on to Step 3	Spring / shock absorber assembly not correctly inserted.	Restore the correct fitting of the spring / shock absorber assembly.
3	DUST COVER CHECK	All OK	Problems encountered	Operation
	Position the vehicle on a two column lift and raise it. Check that dust cover: is correctly fitted on the buffer; is correctly fitted on the shock absorber body; that there is no interference between the cover and the spring.	Move on to Step 4	Dust cover not correctly fitted on the buffer.	Refit correctly
			Dust cover not correctly fitted on the shock absorber body.	Refit correctly.
			Interference between cover and spring.	Replace the end of travel buffer.
4	END OF TRAVEL BUFFER CHECK	All OK	Problems encountered	Operation
	Check that the end of travel buffer is correctly inserted in its housing by carrying out the Test 4410AA	Move on to Step 5	End of travel buffer not correctly inserted	Refit the buffer correctly
5	CHECKS UNDER THE FLOOR	All OK	Problems encountered	Operation
	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	Move on to Step 6	Pipes or heat shields incorrectly fastened	Renew the correct fastening
6	CHECK ON THRUST BUSHES AND UPPER TRACK CONTROL ARM PIN	All OK	Problems encountered	Operation
	Check that the pin boot does not show signs of notches or traces of grease. Loosen the pin and move the arm manually and check that the bush is correctly fastened.	Move on to Step 7	Presence of notches/traces of grease on the pin boot.	Replace the track control arm Op. 4410B68 LOWER SWINGING ARM(ONE), LH OR RH OF FRONT SUSPENSION - R R -CHECK WHEEL ALIGNMENT SEPARATELY The use of unsuitable lubricants can adversely affect the operation of the component
		Move on to Step 7	Slack tightening.	Restore the correct tightening.
7	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 Paint not worn at the points where the bar and the track control arms come into contact Condition of flexible mountings in the contact area with the bar Fastenings to torque between bar and crossmember Fastenings to torque between bar and shock absorber connecting rod. Also check, after having disconnected the upper track rod end for the connecting rod at the shock absorber, that the anti-roll bar does not creak at the centre flexible mountings when moved manually with a symmetrical load applied and that the loose connecting rod does not move unevenly or stick.	Move on to Step 8	Torque tightenings not correct	Restore the correct tightness
			Bar not correctly positioned	Replace the anti-roll bar Op. 4410C10
			Paint worn at the contact points (rubbing between anti-roll bar and crossmember and anti-roll bar and track control arm)	Replace the anti-roll bar Op. 4410C10
			Signs of tearing or damage to the flexible mountings in the centre of the bar	Replace the anti-roll bar Op. 4410C10
			Signs of tearing at the track rod end boots or loose connecting rod not moving smoothly.	Replace the connecting rod.
			Creaking of the bar centre flexible mountings during manual movement with a symmetrical load applied.	Replace the anti-roll bar Op. 4410C10 FRONT SUSPENSION ANTI-ROLL BAR - R+R - CHECK WHEEL GEOMETRY SEPARATELY
8	LOWER TRACK CONTROL ARM THRUST BUSHES CHECK	All OK	Problems encountered	Operation
	Check, by placing a sheet of paper between the crossmember and the rear bush, that there is no interference in the contact area between the rubber and the thrust washers If the spring shows signs of abrasion, its mechanical properties could be weakened as a result of oxidation	End of diagnosis	Creaking at the rear bush.	Replace the track control arm Op. 4410B40 LOWER TRACK CONTROL ARM (WITH BALLJOINT) FOR LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION (ONE) - R+R - CHECK WHEEL GEOMETRY SEPARATELY

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