hi all - 1.9 JTD Multipla 2003 J , 150,000 miles

Over the past few weeks I have been getting awful creaking, cracking, suspension noises when i go over any bumps, now its all the time whenever the car moves, less noisy on smooth roads at any speed, Sounds like its coming from the rear sub frame - its really loud and people turn to see what the creaking clanking noise is. Rocking the car with a persons weight you can really hear it. It all looks a little corroded and worn but I dont want to replace something I dont need too, needlessly, Any ideas what it may be?

Sounds like its coming from the long whole subframe bar area but I cant see anything obvious, the local garage couldn't see anything obvious too, could it be the bushes or mounts or something else.

I can send a video if you have any ideas, showing the noise.

many thanks phil

Rear subframe awful creaking noise help

Trailing arm bearings (often incorrectly called bushes).

If you look at the car from the rear, you'll probably notice the wheels leaning in at the tops.

Common fault, Fiat don't see fit to put grease nipples [or much grease] in the arms at manufacture . . . :bang:

Kits are around £40 for both sides (two kits).

Not a bad job to do, but it depends how deteriorated they are.
If you've caught it early, it's a simple 'bolt-out-drop-arm-fit-kit' job, if they're really badly corroded, it can be a lot more involved.

Have a quick read through these for starters . . .

Trailing arms1

Trailing arms2

Trailing arms3


Some garages will tell you that you need to replace the complete arm assemblies, not necessary at all, as long as they're in reasonable condition.
They're solid bits of kit, a bit of corrosion on them is no cause for concern.

Rear subframe awful creaking noise help

The subframe mounting bushes don't make the 'cracking' sound you describe, that only comes from dry ball or needle bearings, or (as in this case) taper-rollers.

It's quite possible that you have a worn/loose bush as well, which are easy enough to check for.

Re: Rear subframe awful creaking noise help

many thanks for the help - strangely today - maybe because its colder or wetter the noise is much less - could the temperature be making it worse and ok when colder like today? and it has sat for a couple of days too. thanks again

Creaking noise . . .

Once they're gone, they're gone, and can only get worse.
Don't put it off (like I did :bang, you'll end up with much more grief/expense to rectify it.

My current Multi has the same problem, the Bearing kits are sitting in my kitchen waiting to go on . . . soon after I've refitted the Gearbox . . .