brand new 2012 GT; creaking sound!?

[DavidPR]

Hello,

My 2012 Mustang GT started is making a creaking noise that is concerning me. It happens when launching from a stop (normally) on 1st or 2nd, and when shifting 1-2. The sound is like a creek, kind of what my chair makes when I lean back or my door if I open it slowly. It seems to come from the front-bottom of the car, like beneath my feet.

Is this normal? What could it be? Clutch? Tranny? It is a manual transmission, BTW. Something to be concerned with? It seems out of place in a car this new. I thought I should ask/search here first before taking it to the dealer. I appreciate your advice. Thanks.

 

[Sharad]

There's a TSB on this. Front lower control arm bushings I believe.

 

[DavidPR]

There's a TSB on this. Front lower control arm bushings I believe.

Thanks. If you are referring to TSB 09-24-16, that is a completely different issue. Mine has nothing to do with going over bumps. It happens over smooth surfaces also.

 

[FordCustSrvc]

Hi DavidPR,

To relieve your concerns, you may want to have your Mustang diagnosed at your dealer to ensure everything is functioning correctly. You can also test drive a similarly equipped Mustang to see if that is experiencing the similar symptoms. Please PM me with your VIN, contact information, mileage, and servicing dealer name/state and I will assist.

~Natasha

 

[DavidPR]

Well, the problem seems to be getting worse. Now the creaking happens all the time; not just on rolling from a stop. And it does seem to be aggravated by bumps/maneuvres, so maybe it is that TSB after all?

Also, this might be totally unrelated or not, but while rolling on 2nd and hearing that creaking noise the transmission clunked and popped back to neutral.

 

[DavidPR]

BTW, I am investingating more and test driving it, and it looks like the Front lower control arm bushings that Sharad mentioned (thanks man). I got my appointment this Friday; is it safe to drive the car till then?

 

[FordCustSrvc]

Hi David,

Thank you for sending me your information. I responded to your PM, and will work with you to resolve your concerns.

~Natasha

 

[Sharad]

BTW, I am investingating more and test driving it, and it looks like the Front lower control arm bushings that Sharad mentioned (thanks man). I got my appointment this Friday; is it safe to drive the car till then?

No problem. I'd think it's perfectly drivable. I think it's supposed to be something about how the bushing was installed. It could get noisier, but it's not like it's gonna disintegrate. I'm sure you're fine to drive it until Friday.

Post up and let us know how it turns out on Friday.

 

[DavidPR]

Still awaiting for the service visit tomorrow. However, there is an interesting update. The car has suddenly stopped making the noise. Coincidentally, the temperature has significantly cooled off after a strong heat wave; from scorching sun and heat indexes in the 120's to cloudy and 70's. Could there be a connection? Those bushings are made of rubber, right? I remember I had a Mazda that would make noise in the opposite spectrum, like when it was below zero.

 

[badtude]

I had a similar (maybe the same) problem with my '12 GT. My car was squeeking over bumps and when shifting. Seems it got worse as the car warmed up. I took it to the dealer and they replaced both front lower control arms. Haven't heard a squeek since.

 

[Wayne K]

Still awaiting for the service visit tomorrow. However, there is an interesting update. The car has suddenly stopped making the noise. Coincidentally, the temperature has significantly cooled off after a strong heat wave; from scorching sun and heat indexes in the 120's to cloudy and 70's. Could there be a connection? Those bushings are made of rubber, right? I remember I had a Mazda that would make noise in the opposite spectrum, like when it was below zero.

I would say yes it is temperature related. I have an E46 BMW that has the same issue with the front lower control arm bushings in hot weather. I was told by the dealer that it is not a dangerous issue unless the suspension developes play. I have 26,000 miles on it now and so far so good. It only makes the noise when starting out and moving and turning at very low speeds. They did not have a recall so have not replaced the lower control arms as it would be at my cost. As it is a known problem with these cars I just live with it. If they will replace yours for free I would say go for it.

 

[DavidPR]

Well, the sound is gone with the extremely hot temperatures. The dealer agrees it may be some rubber bushing temperature-related issue. Since it is not dangerous, and happens only in record temperatures, the advice was to do nothing. So far, so good.

 

[FordCustSrvc]

Well, the sound is gone with the extremely hot temperatures. The dealer agrees it may be some rubber bushing temperature-related issue. Since it is not dangerous, and happens only in record temperatures, the advice was to do nothing. So far, so good.

DavidPR,

I'm glad the noise has quieted down, and I hope it stays that way. Please don't hesitate to let me know if I can help.

~Natasha

 

[Highlineguy11]

gotta be the tsb

i had my 2012 gt premium in at 800 miles for a horrible nois e(sounds like your creak) noticed when racing a hemp charger around 120mph..sounded like wheel would fall off....turned out to be the tsb, i would bet thats your problem.

highlineguy11