New creaking noise, help with identification appreciated

[chili_pepper]

Having just got my hardtop reinstalled recently after over a year off the LJ, I've notice a new creaking noise in the now-quiet interior. I highly suspect it's propagating from the left rear suspension and being amplified inside by the body tub. Quick look underneath didn't reveal anything that appeared out of order. Thoughts appreciated.

 

[Chris]

Really hard to say, but I would guess it's coming from the suspension as well.

 

[chili_pepper]

Really hard to say

Yeah, was hoping someone might recognize the noise from personal experience and make a quick issue ID. At Just under 120k, I'm pretty confident the suspension and steering components are factory original to the vehicle, so I will be working through everything in good time. Just not big on new surprise noises and haven't had the time to really poke around since discovering it.

 

[OldBuzzard]

At that age, it could be just about any joint under there - CAs, shocks, track bar, sway bar.

Can you get it to make the noise sitting still? I always seem to get noises which only occur on the road, and no amount of bouncing or rocking can reproduce in the driveway.

I wish you luck, man.

 

[chili_pepper]

At that age, it could be just about any joint under there - CAs, shocks, track bar, sway bar.

A very fair statement. It did pass a mechanical safety inspection about 2.5 years and 3k miles ago to get it registered in the People's Republic of Maryland, but certainly possible something's gone bad since. A complete suspension and steering refresh is on the to-do list, regardless, though I hadn't really planned on dealing with that until after the coming winter at the earliest.

Can you get it to make the noise sitting still?

Yes. it will do it if I start shoving the back end around when parked. That's what lead me to believe it's not something creaking inside or the tailgate as initially suspected. I wasn't able to pinpoint it, but it sure sounded as if it was coming from the left side, below the tub.

 

[OldBuzzard]

Have your big buddy in your avatar rock it while you listen underneath with a stethoscope or hose.

 

[OldBuzzard]

Oh, I just listened to your video (for the first time). I have no idea what that could be.