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  May 7, 2010 5:17 p.m. 96DXCivic Dork

  My friend has a 97 Camry and it started making a creaking noise as the car is settling after coming to a stop. Any ideas?

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  May 7, 2010 8:27 p.m. Streetwiseguy Reader

  Something is broken.

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  May 7, 2010 9:19 p.m. Dr. Hess SuperDork

  The front strut tops on that model were recalled/replaced under warranty. If you had it done by 60K miles, that is. That would do it. Also, a loose/stretched timing belt can make some funny noises that are hard to track down. I'm assuming 5SFE on the motor for the timing belt issue. I don't know about the V6, as my 97 Camry has a 5SFE.

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  May 8, 2010 10:47 a.m. 96DXCivic Dork

  I got under there and didn't see any thing and it is coming from the rear.

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  May 8, 2010 5:22 p.m. Dr. Hess SuperDork

  Well, could be a bushing or the rear strut. Get someone to jump up and down on a corner while you look and listen. The suspension bushings or sway bar bushings might be doing it. Squirt some WD40 on a suspect part while it's squeeking. A mechanic's stethoscope can be helpful in tracking down stray noises.

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  May 8, 2010 6:27 p.m. 96DXCivic Dork

  We jumped up and down on it but it won't make the noise. It only makes if we push back and fore. I got under the car with a mechanic's stethoscope and I could not find the exact location. This car is about to drive from Huntsville to Denver Colorado. Do you think it will be ok or not?

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  May 9, 2010 9:30 a.m. Eb4Prez New Reader

  If it is only squeaking and not a loud clunking noise, and you can't visually find anything it doesn't sound serious enough to cause problems on the trip. But that is easy to say sitting in front of the computer. Little things that we live with for thousands of miles commuting every day get concerning on a long trip. I would have it checked out at a shop before you go, just to be sure.

  and now for something completely different...

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  May 10, 2010 3:04 a.m. 96DXCivic Dork

  Well I got under it to today and it wouldn't make the noise so I squirted some WD40 on it and called it a day.

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  May 10, 2010 3:55 a.m. 7pilot New Reader

  In reply to 96DXCivic:

  Possibly the parking brake friction surfaces or linkage at the hub..

  m

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  May 10, 2010 10:54 a.m. 96DXCivic Dork

  I don't think it is parking brake. It wasn't engaged when we were looking at it.

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