Squeak in the rear
 

I bought my 2004 GT about 4-5 months ago. Since getting it, I noticed a squeak from the driver's side rear, so I brought it to be checked out, back to the dealer. They checked it out, supposedly thoroughly, said they couldn't find a problem, but if I wanted them to check it out again, they would need it for a full day. Since they didn't find a problem, and since it's hard to schedule being without my car for a day when I need it, I let it go. This weekend when driving it, the squeak is of course still there, but this time there was a rattling noise when I turned.. it did not sound good. Drove it today, didn't hear the rattle. I have it scheduled to be checked out tomorrow but I was wondering if anyone had any clues to what the problem may be? We are thinking along the lines of brakes, but at the same time are worried it could be the exhaust. Appreciate any thoughts and your help.

~Karen~

KAren:

Squeaks and rattles can be so hard to track down. They can come and go and it is hard to isolate the source.

There are a few tricks though. When you push down on the back of the car, does it make a squeak? If so, get a metal pipe. 1/2" or 3/4" copper tubing works greak. If you have a piece that is a few feet long, you can have someone put one end of the tube on a suspicious surface and hold the other end up to their ear while someone else is pushing on the car. Sounds silly, but it helps to isolate the problem. As you move the tube around, you will find the source.

One place to look are the brake dust shields. If you hit a speed bump or a pot hole too hard, they can get bent and then rub on the rotor. They can make a little noise or a lot of noise. The ONLY way to truly tell is to jack the car up and rotate the wheels. You can tell then if the shield is rubbing. To fix it you can just bend it back by hand. I am not sure if your car has a dust shield on it though.

Another spot is in the strut. The struts are sealed and do not require lubrication, but, if they get dry, they squeak like an old truck. I experienced this on my Suburban once and we took a syringe and injected so grease right in to the rubber boot. The problem never cam eback.

Welcome to owning a mustang, as some will tell you. Twisted seatbelts and squeaks and rattles are just part of the game. Something I have heard although, is that a pair of subframe connectors helps out on some of the stuff, dont know if it would help you though. :confused:

lol definitely the twisted seatbelts.. i've had a few people say welcome to owning a ford - so don't know if this is something I have to look forward to. I did own a ford before, but that was a POS and a much different story, so can't base it on that.. i don't think it's a suspension problem, the squeak seems to stop when you hit the brakes? Who knows.. it's an annoyance that can hopefully be pinpointed tomorrow (and they better not think they are charging me with the excuse that it's out of warranty guidelines). I'll keep you updated. Thanks for the tips!

Well I hope you do find it, ive been lucky*knock on wood* to not have that many sqeaks and rattles. Lets us know how it comes out.

haha twisted seatbelts damn guess its not just me.. if you own a convertible squeaks reign supreme with the windows and top...

well took it today, they adjusted the brakes, squeak was gone. Left the dealer, squeak was gone. few hours go by, squeak was gone. Couple hours later.. the squeak returns.. sooo i guess I am going to suck it up, and live with the squeak.. it's like a bird singing that you can only really hear when the window is down.. with no music.. but still, annoying.

Stupid question:

Does the squeak go away when you press the clutch? (if it's a 5 speed)

I am a tech at the local Ford Dealership. I found a lot of Mustangs squeek from the rear, and finally found a fix for most of them. What I found was the Clips that attach to the top and bottom of the rear pads that are supposed to stop pad rattle, are the cause of the squeek. They get a build up of corrosion on them and when you hit a bump they slide in the caliper bracket causing the squeek. I remove the caliper and pads, clean all corrosion off the clips and the slots in the caliper bracket that holds the pads. Then lubricate with caliper slide grease then rerassemble. I have done this on several Mustangs, including My own and the squeeks have not come back. This will be somthing you will have to do occasionally becaust the grease will eventually wash out and the corrosion will build up again. :D

nope, mine's an automatic.

:) Thanks! I will check this out and let you know how it turns out. See how useful these forums are :p