Z71

My car has an annoying squeak that is coming somewhere form the door trim in the back, or somewhere else in the back. The car is an '09 Impala LTZ with fairly stiff suspension and 18 inch wheels. Every time I hit a minor bump or imperfection in the road, I hear a squeak. The worst thing is that it comes and goes. Sometimes there is no squeaking for several days, then it comes back with a vengeance. Any ideas? Anybody has experienced something similar on their SS or LTZ?

I lubricated all the door rubber seals with silicon spray, to no avail.

imandyyornot

you are not the only one. it always happens on those bumpy roads and it annoys me. My solution was the passenger rear window. if i had it down all the way, it would squeak. If I had it up it wouldn't. Also, do you get a vibrating noise on your passenger seats? I do.. and i can't really pinpoint it, it happens when no one is sitting there only.

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Anyone From The NYC Area? Lets Meet Up.

06 Impala LS

ChevroletCustomerService

Z71 & imandyyornot, please direct message me anytime if you'd like me to check for recalls on your Impalas or set up appointments for you at a dealership! I realize, though, that you're most likely interested in DIY assistance from other owners, so I hope the community replies soon with their trademark helpfulness.

Katie
Chevrolet Customer Service

Z71

Thanks for the window suggestion, I normally have all the windows closed as I am in Florida and use A/C all the time. I will try opening the rear windows and see if there is any difference. Maybe I will lube the upper window rubber seals with silicone spray too. Do you have tinted windows on your car, BTW? I have not tinted mine yet, but who knows, that might help alleviate the problem if it is indeed the rubber seal that rubs against the glass.

I have no vibration in the passenger seat, or anywhere else at any speed. My car has very good quality tires, the same as came on the SS model. It has been my experience with other cars over the years that the vibration in the passenger seat is usually caused by improperly balanced front tires, or out of round front tires.

Interestingly enough, we have an '07 Impala LS office vehicle at work. I have never heard any squeaks out of that one. The suspension is a bit softer than on mine though.

Z71

Thanks for the offer. I have a good relationship with the local Chevy dealer as I also own a 2006 Chevy Silverado truck.

imandyyornot

Weird, But yes I do have tints in all my windows. Instead of hitting bumps to find the squeak try putting the volume up on a heavy bass song. I use (Jay Z -N***as in Paris) and at volume 30 the whole front speakers should shake , use the faders and push it to the rear. you should hear the squeak from the windows. If you don't, I suggest you go to your trunk and push down and check your shocks just for one last check. Lucky you for the no passenger side noise. It gets unbearable sometimes. Keep us posted and good luck, I'm sure you'll get that squeaky noise fixed.

@Katie : I will be removing the passenger seats soon and check it out instead. Thanks.

__________________
Anyone From The NYC Area? Lets Meet Up.

06 Impala LS

Snakester

I had a squeak like that coming from the back. It wound up being one of the back seat side things. I shoved a sock down in there and it fixed it.

Z71

You may be onto something here. Do you mean the rear seat side bolster where it rubs against the door panel when the door is closed? My car has the flip and fold rear seat.

Where exactly did you shove that sock?

Z71

Well, I think I found the source of the annoying squeak. And it was so simple! The squeak suddenly turned into thumping noise whenever I hit a bump. I checked the spare tire in the trunk and the hold down bolt was loose. I tightened the bolt and the noise is gone - so far. I was convinced that the sound was coming from inside the passenger compartment. But this squeaky noise makes sense- it was tire rubbing against the metal when moving slightly.

12ltz

Thing always sound so simple when you find the problem but getting there can be a bit*h. Good find.

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2012 Impala LTZ
2002 Buick Regal LS 335,000 miles
2000 Buick Regal LS 182,000 miles
1998 Olds Silhouette 3.4V6 177,000 miles
1996 Olds Cutlas 3.1V6 293,000miles

Too many freaks, not enough circuses.

imandyyornot

I'm glad you found it and fixed it :D

__________________
Anyone From The NYC Area? Lets Meet Up.

06 Impala LS

Z71

Well, it turns out that I was wrong about the spare tire, the squeak came back. The good news is that after a few minutes of looking I found the squeak source and positively reproduced the annoying squeak. The problem is the left trim piece that fits over the roof pillar around the rear window, right next to the parcel shelf. The edge of that trim piece is loose and when I wiggled the edge, I got the annoying squeak, exactly like I have been hearing whenever I hit a bump. The simplest solution appears to be stuffing a small towel or something like that under the trim piece. I am not sure if some tab is broken or what, but the corner should not be that loose. The trim piece on the other side fits more firmly and does not squeak. I am glad I found the source of this annoying problem.

Z71

There is a metal clip on the trim panel that was not fully pushed in, so it did not lock. It was that clip that was making the annoying squeaking noise. I hit the panel with my hand lightly and the clip seated fully. Problem solved.