Author Topic: Intermittent squeaking issue  (Read 7570 times)

Gary Box

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Intermittent squeaking issue
« on: May 03, 2023, 07:06:17 PM »
Hi,

I've recently purchased my first Honda Jazz and trying to deal with couple of issues that didn't present themselves on the test drive.

The main issue is a loud squeaking noise. I assumed suspension and on reading online thought it might be dry bushes. I even noticed the squeaking seemed to stop when it rains. I took the car to local garage who suggested it was a crease in the subframe causing metal to metal contact. It's not a garage I trust on anything but basic servicing though.

Car seems to drive ok, no vibration or pulling to one side. Today took it to another garage and of course the squeaking was less today. They looked underneath and said they could find nothing wrong with subframe, bushes or any play in anything. Two mechanics seemed to disagree with what component they would suggest trying to change, one saying shock absorbers, the other saying anti roll bar I think. Basically though they said they would need to experience the noise first.

I'm curious what the more mechanically minded forum members would be thinking. What component could it be that causes a loud squeak but only intermittently but does not seem to impact driving with no obvious play in any suspension. When it was on the ramp he showed me underneath and the car was rocked from side to side and up and down and no sound. 

The other issue I need to address is the air conditioning which doesn't seem to work. I'll probably take to a specialist and I'm assuming it might be compressor after reading about how stones can hit it. I'll try the mesh guard fix mentioned on here once it's working. Do people usually buy used compressor from breakers?

Gary

UKjim

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Intermittent squeaking issue
« Reply #1 on: May 03, 2023, 08:29:13 PM »
I think you mean condenser rather than compressor, it may just need re-gassing. Don’t buy a condenser from a breaker, likely be as bad as yours, new ones are inexpensive on eBay.

As regards your squeak, it could be any number of things, maybe a dry bush but unlikely a shock absorber.

Gary Box

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Re: Intermittent squeaking issue
« Reply #2 on: May 03, 2023, 09:07:00 PM »
Thanks I'll take it to an air conditioning specialist to see what they say.

The squeaking is infuriating, it sometimes sounds like metal against metal creaking but it's intermittent which is what confuses me. I might try another garage, perhaps one that specialises in suspension in the hope we can get to the bottom of it.

Jocko

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Re: Intermittent squeaking issue
« Reply #3 on: May 03, 2023, 09:10:57 PM »
The aircon probably just needs to be regassed. if the previous owner seldom used it it can leak away over time. I am taking mine into Kwik Fit before the warm weather arrives to get mine recharged. You could try spraying the bushes with a silicone lubricant.

UKjim

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Re: Intermittent squeaking issue
« Reply #4 on: May 03, 2023, 09:30:21 PM »
Thanks I'll take it to an air conditioning specialist to see what they say.

Maybe try these people, they are mobile and receive good reviews.

https://www.coolcaraircon.co.uk


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Gary Box

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Re: Intermittent squeaking issue
« Reply #5 on: May 03, 2023, 10:12:42 PM »
I've tried to spray silicone spray on everything I can see (not easy when you can't get underneath). That's what I asked the first garage to do who instead said it was subframe. However they also said there was nothing wrong with a wheel stud when I asked them to replace one so I'm not inclined to believe them.

On the visit to second garage I was willing to spend money to get it sorted but they didn't seem to find any obvious fault. If was at least reassuring to get a good look underneath while up on the ramp. The car looks in decent condition generally. I've also bought a cheap OBD Bluetooth scanner and based on the info it reported everything seems to be operating well.

I'd love to be able to record the squeak and try to isolate exactly where it's coming from. I'm able to replicate it sometimes at standstill if I lift from under wheel arch and bounce back down. When driving I seem to notice that it's more likely to happen going uphill rather than downhill. It can happen at any speed and definitely feels linked to suspension of the car.

I'm wondering if it's worth trying to get someone to check alignment.

Jocko

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Re: Intermittent squeaking issue
« Reply #6 on: May 04, 2023, 10:18:45 AM »
It could even be the exhaust mounts squeaking. Did you spray them?

Lord Voltermore

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Re: Intermittent squeaking issue
« Reply #7 on: May 04, 2023, 11:27:45 AM »
If you are able to replicate the noise by bouncing try recording the sound on a phone. An ordinary voice recording may suffice, unless you have a decibel measuring app that might be better still.

Repeatedly place the phone near  any possible joints , bushes, exhaust hangers etc   and keep repeating the exercise. You may be able to narrow down the precise location by whichever gives the loudest or clearest recording.  If you are getting no initial success  ,try expanding your search  further away from where you think is most likely.   Noise can migrate, especially on a moving car.   I once had a knock on my Yaris  I was convinced came from the exhaust at the very back.  It turned out to be a broken front spring  :-[   (I am not saying thats what you have) 
« Last Edit: May 04, 2023, 11:41:48 AM by Lord Voltermore »
  Trust a dog to guard your house  , but not your sandwich

d2d4j

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Re: Intermittent squeaking issue
« Reply #8 on: May 04, 2023, 12:14:21 PM »
Hi

Just out of curiosity could you buckle up all seatbelts and have a test drive

The rear seatbelts can squeak against the plastic moulding

It’s just a thought

Many thanks

John

Gary Box

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Re: Intermittent squeaking issue
« Reply #9 on: May 04, 2023, 05:46:01 PM »
I've been trying to listen closer today. No noise going over speed bumps so beginning to rule out suspension though I would like to see the top mounts. The noise happens when pulling away (accelerating) and every time you change up gear. To my ear it definitely sounds like it's the front of the car and quite high up. I've even begun to wonder if there is any metal on metal body stress going on as it's almost impossible to replicate it from underneath when it's on ramp.

Jocko

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Re: Intermittent squeaking issue
« Reply #10 on: May 04, 2023, 06:21:59 PM »
Engine mount.

Westy36

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Re: Intermittent squeaking issue
« Reply #11 on: May 05, 2023, 11:14:24 AM »
Good thought Jocko. If it is an engine mount the Jazz has three of them.

http://hondafitjazz.com/manual3/index.html

They are listed in the manual above as Engine Mount Torque Rod, Side Engine Mount and Transmission Mount.

HTH 

Brakballe

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Re: Intermittent squeaking issue
« Reply #12 on: May 09, 2023, 01:40:48 PM »
Not something as silly as the front brakes? Try tap the pedal gently when the noise occurs, even under acceleration. Or.. a lodged pebble in the brake caliper. Or.. the shield behind the front discs (if it have these) could be chafing.
« Last Edit: May 10, 2023, 01:57:12 PM by Brakballe »

Gary Box

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Re: Intermittent squeaking issue
« Reply #13 on: May 26, 2023, 08:55:43 PM »
Ok thought I would update you about that the squeak was. Turns out the subframe did have a slight bend (previous accident) that was causing it to rub the lower control arm bush resulting in metal to metal contact. Garage didn't suggest replacing the subframe but did bend the edge back and fitted new suspension part (lower control arm).

Garage stated they wouldn't be surprised if the steering geometry was out but it drives well. Will see over time how tyres wear.

The air conditioning was just a regass. I'd like to consider adding the mesh behind the front grill to protect condenser but since it seems bumper needs removing I'll probably not bother.

With these couple of issues fixed I'm looking forward to some reliable motoring. With only 72k miles I'll probably give it another few months and then book full service and change the spark plugs for some new iridium ones.

fashionphotography

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Re: Intermittent squeaking issue
« Reply #14 on: May 28, 2023, 07:32:58 AM »
aaah yes pulling away and changing gear . anoying squeek like an aviary of birds under the bonnet. got the same on my mk1 ever since i had my cat and mid section exhaust changed post theft. its the front joint to the manifold sometimes the bolt springs or the joint itself. a couple of times ive sprayed copperslip on the joint that cured it for a few days till it burnt off.

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