Crunchy Suspension when cold

[Whofartedwasntme]

Hope everyone is staying warm. 2016 Tahoe LTZ w/air suspension. Anyone have a crunchy suspension (front only) when it’s cold out. Once car warms up it goes away. I am thinking Sway bar bushings just need replacing? Anything else to look at? Thanks

 

[Big Mama]

Usually bad bushings will continue to make noises. Can you describe what happens? Can you feel it in the steering, alignment, or when going over bumps? What’s it like after warm up?

 

[strutaeng]

Try doing these tests on your truck.

Since you mention that sound only happens when cold, do the test after vehicle is hot and note any differences.

 

[Whofartedwasntme]

Usually bad bushings will continue to make noises. Can you describe what happens? Can you feel it in the steering, alignment, or when going over bumps? What’s it like after warm up?

Only over speed bumps etc. no issues with suspension or alignment. Goes away when car warms up. No noise when leaving home garage.

 

[15burban]

What's cold? Freezing like 32 degrees or 20 below 0? Everyone's opinion is different.

Not apples to apples but on my pontiac car when it's -10 degrees or colder it feels like the oil in the strut freezes and will get some good thuds hitting potholes.

 

[Whofartedwasntme]

Nm

 

[Whofartedwasntme]

What's cold? Freezing like 32 degrees or 20 below 0? Everyone's opinion is different.

Not apples to apples but on my pontiac car when it's -10 degrees or colder it feels like the oil in the strut freezes and will get some good thuds hitting potholes.

Prob 45F or below

 

[swathdiver]

Probably time for a new strut or two. It's ten years old after all.

 

[Whofartedwasntme]

Probably time for a new strut or two. It's ten years old after all.

Should have mentioned the struts are all newish (7k miles ago). Prior owner did them. BWI is the brand.

 

[swathdiver]

Should have mentioned the struts are all newish (7k miles ago). Prior owner did them. BWI is the brand.

I would still suspect one of them regardless. Seems like one is sticking when cold/sitting and then starts moving again as it warms up, kinda like an old man in the morning!

 

[Big Mama]

I would still suspect one of them regardless. Seems like one is sticking when cold/sitting and then starts moving again as it warms up, kinda like an old man in the morning!

As James stated, essentially if the previous owner is what you’re going by. At a minimum check the top strut fasteners and the lower bolts.