Creaking Noise When Stopping

[Will B.]

My 2004 LS 430 has developed a creaking noise when coming to a complete stop. My mechanic replaced the front struts but that didn't fix the problem. I'm going to take it back, but any suggestions I can give him to help diagnose the problem is appreciated.

I sometimes, but not always, hear the sound when turning very sharply (e.g. when parking).

[Ancdmd]

can you give some more details or be more descriptive? does it sound like its coming from the front or rear? At what speed does the sound begin?

[Will B.]

It definitely comes from the front. It's actually lessened to the point now where I only hear it on rare occasions. The struts did help a lot - I haven't taken it back to the mechanic yet because I'm having a hard time reproducing it consistently.

As far as the sound goes when I hear it, it's only at very low speeds, typically when the car is coming to a complete stop. It's typically more audible when coming to a gradual stop than a sudden one.

[jainla]

Try the front sway (roll) bar bushings/cushions. My car was making a crunching/creaking noise and my mechanic lubricated them and it went away; although it has returned now they may need to be replaced.

-J

[Ancdmd]

also check the torque on the lower control arm bushings. forward bushing is 111 ft-lb and rearward bushing is i believe a whopping 166 ft-lb!

[BrianSR]

Did you end up solving this? Would greatly appreciate a response here. Thank you!

[RX400h]

Often brake pads will emit a high-pitched sound when the brake pedal is applied. If so, and you're not savy with DIY brake jobs, then you can always take it to an independent shop to diagnose and fix.