Cold weather brings cool noises!
Joined: 01-29-2008
Posts: 5
From: new york
cold suspension noise
what happens to our vehicles when they are cold is the oil or gas inside the struts or shocks loses its abilty to dampen noises inside the shock or struts and we end up hearing it. my 2lt has only 8800 miles on it and it sounds like its going to rattle apart but dealer says after checking it out good it is shock valving and oil or gas viscosity that changes when cold. thats why it goes away when warm.
Senior Member
Joined: 11-20-2006
Posts: 931
From: Peoria, IL
Anyone have "squeaky bed-spring" noises from the suspension now that the cold weather is upon us?
I find that this is most noticeable driving through dips in the road, when both sides of the front suspension (and then rear) are loaded together... not necessarily over smaller bumps.
Noticed a few threads about similar noises in the non-SS models... but don't think I've seen any SS members mention this.
PS - no smart-a$$ comments from those of you who are fortunate enough to live in areas of eternal sunshine and warmth... especially you SoCal guys
I find that this is most noticeable driving through dips in the road, when both sides of the front suspension (and then rear) are loaded together... not necessarily over smaller bumps.
Noticed a few threads about similar noises in the non-SS models... but don't think I've seen any SS members mention this.
PS - no smart-a$$ comments from those of you who are fortunate enough to live in areas of eternal sunshine and warmth... especially you SoCal guys
My 06 had those noises, and I took it to the dealer multiple times. They were unable to replicate it or repair it. My 08 SS does not have the noises though thank goodness.
The 09 cobalt I had for a loaner when they fixed a couple minor issues on my SS also made the same suspension noise. Guess these car's suspensions just don't like the cold.
Senior Member
Joined: 01-13-2008
Posts: 4,708
From: Washington State, where it rains
I control all exterior noises with the exterior noise eliminator knob mounted on the center dash just above the heater controls.Otherwise,when its really cold(like 9F last nite on the way home from work)the car actually seems to tighten up and be quieter.Your rubber parts could be tighening up and when the metal parts finally slip(because of grip) it could be causeing the noise, that is, the sudden release of a i don't wanna move because I'm to friggin cold, parts.
Senior Member
Joined: 07-31-2008
Posts: 117
From: Olney, Md.
noise in winter
I've have the same problem when temp below 40F. It goes away after it warms up and the colder the longer it takes.I have to go though two sets of speed bumps on my way to work.It's gone by the second set of bumps.
Joined: 11-14-2008
Posts: 7
From: Texas
It was in the 20s, cold for N Texas, but I was getting a scraping sound when cold going over dips. Goes away when it warms up, both air temp and chassis temp. Looks like it is a common issue and nothing to be concerned with.