I just figured I'd post this becaue it worked well for me.

I have 1994 convertible and my suspension is shot. It probably needs a total replacement meaning bushing, springs, struts...

I always had this nasty, horrible sqeaking/creaking noise coming from the rear of my car and it always drove me totally insane. Not only was the ride really rough, and bumps would send shock waves up to my brain, there was this awful, LOUD creaking coming from the rear. So, after losing a sale on the car because the people test driving it couldn't stand the creaking, I set out to figure this crap out. So, just for shits and giggles, I jacked the car up, and sprayed the crap out of the super-corroded bushings and the struts with WD-40. Primative, I know, but after spraying all four wheels, I took it for a test drive and WOW!!! WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!

The creaking was COMPLETELY gone, road noise was kind of reduced and bumps are slightly softer, but the best part was that terrible, horrible creaking was completely and totally gone. I've never experienced such a quiet ride in this car since I bought it back in February.

I don't know how parmanent this fix is, it could be back tomorrow morning for all I know, but I just thought I'd share. Just another use for WD-40 and another peice of proof that ANYTHING can be fixed with either duct tape, or WD-40 :stickoutt

WD-40 does so many jobs :D

As long as you remember it is better for water displacement (WD = "W"ater "D"isplacement) than lubrication. Their sister product 3-in-1 oil is better for lubrication.

But glad to hear it worked so far.

WD-40 on plastic/rubber is not an intelligent long term solution. It will end up doing more harm than good.

WD-40 on plastic/rubber is not an intelligent long term solution. It will end up doing more harm than good.

Asking from ignorance here - what is a better product for plastic or rubber?

Asking from ignorance here - what is a better product for plastic or rubber?



What you want to find is a lubricant that is not petroleum based. While petroleum based lubricants will most certainly solve the issue short term, their long term effects are bad. In essence, anything petroleum based (wd40, etc) will begin to dry out the rubber and plastic to the point where it becomes brittle or simply decays apart.

The best lubricant for plastic and rubber is something silicone based that will not eat the rubber/plastic. You can easily tell what is a plastic safe lube by reading the fine print on the back of the can/bottle. Anything that is dangerous for plastic will usually say so on the back. Another way to tell is to read what the label suggests usage for. If you're lubing rubber bushings with something that says "Works great on hinges, chains, rusted bolts", then odds are it's going to eat the rubber.

Some good places to find plastic safe lubes and grease is your local bike shop. Since many bikes use composite materials in high friction zones, most of the grease and lube is plastic safe. Radio Shack also sells a plastic safe electrical lube that is safe for plastic and works great for interior pivots like accelerator/clutch/brake pivot points. It's also odorless to keep your interior from smelling like a repair shop.

Long story short, the correct way to fix a squeaking rubber or plastic part is to replace the part altogether. The quick fix would be to use a plastic/rubber safe grease with silicon or Teflon.

Well, the next morning I heard small traces of the creek returning, and today, it's back in full force.

It was a pleasant temporary fix though. I might try some lithium grease or something more permanent. I think the sound is not due to the bushing, it has something to do with the very very top of the whole suspension, where it bolts to the car. I might actually have a loose bolt in there. I'll have to examine it closer next chance I get because that noise is annoying as all hell.

Well, the next morning I heard small traces of the creek returning, and today, it's back in full force.

It was a pleasant temporary fix though. I might try some lithium grease or something more permanent. I think the sound is not due to the bushing, it has something to do with the very very top of the whole suspension, where it bolts to the car. I might actually have a loose bolt in there. I'll have to examine it closer next chance I get because that noise is annoying as all hell.


Sounds like a blown rear shock mount my friend.

Why not replace the suspension? Mine was shot after 150k and I just replaced with a used (30k miles) M3 shocks,struts springs and sways. Replaced the RSM's ,front arms too and its like a new car. Im having fun on cloverleafs again and quietly too!!! Im sure u can find some stock parts ripped out for an upgrade or track setup.

Well, I'm looking to sell my car, not upgrade it. If I was keeping it, yes, I'd definately replace it but I can't afford to spend any more money on this car.

Ck the rear bunper

I did the WD40 thing, not a good plan. Makes all the rubber dry and hard once it dries out. Then things really get bad............

sounds good