Creaking or squeaking on Unpaved road - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

lovealways · 03-31-2009, 04:52 PM

I drove my lovely smartcar onto hard, rough surface road, accurately unpaved road. Because of solid suspension of smart, I gave up driving on that condition in a few miles. More than anything else, numerous bumps made my own smartcar creaking at rear, driver seat side. I was afraid bumps shaked up and down engine and misc. therefore, the nuts and bolts may have been loosened.

Smart sounded plastic creaks as these frictioned each other. Do you have any idea to remove potential creaks? Will mine be stable despite a few miles driving on unpaved road? of course, the rocks or sunken ground never damaged mine.

I expect your experience and experitses.

lovealways · 03-31-2009, 04:57 PM

I possess 09 Coupe, not convertible. opoops I forget adding the origin of creak were from rear, close to engine room.

thanks =@ㅅ@=

**jwight** · 03-31-2009, 05:54 PM

Some creaks and groans can be expected over really rough roads; nothing to be done about it except check all fittings are tight (especially the engine cover.)

BELJO · 03-31-2009, 06:30 PM

Just got my 2009 Brabus Cabrio 2 weeks ago. The ride home form VA Beach Smart Center on I-64 was punishing on the uneven/potholed road surface.
I almost thought I had made a mistake buying the Brabus with its stiffer suspension and low profile tires. Once home however and driving on neighborhood streets . . . the ride be came much smoother and enjoyable. I haven't experienced any creaking or squeaking thus far. Love this car!

Kermit · 03-31-2009, 06:33 PM

Creaks are to be expected. I have A LOT of miles of unpaved road under my car's belt as I live way back in the woods. Today was even worse as we've had severe flooding as well. The Smart isn't very Smart in stock form for undertaking off-road conditions, the worst noise seems to come from the doors - which I need to readjust.

Godfather · 03-31-2009, 10:57 PM

DON'T DRIVE THERE ANYMORE............civilization awaits!!!!!!!!

Dave777 · 03-31-2009, 11:19 PM

The creaking may be from the lower rear hatch not closing tight enough. Open the rear window and push on the hatch to see if you hear the same creaking. If that's where the sound comes from, try putting some felt pads on the latches.

PeteInLongBeach · 04-03-2009, 05:46 AM

Wipe down your door seals with a damp cloth, then apply some rubber dressing. The seals squeak against the doors over rough roads.

Commander Cody · 04-03-2009, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeteInLongBeach

Wipe down your door seals with a damp cloth, then apply some rubber dressing. The seals squeak against the doors over rough roads.

This is exactly what I did and it helped. My neighborhood has a sandshell/granite mix for a roadbed and it does get washboardy.