Help me to diagnose this noise. My 2002 Acura TL has about 75k miles on it. It has started to make a creaking noise when I start from a stop. It creaks again when it shifts from 1st to 2nd or anytime the front end 'lifts'. The noise is coming from the front end.

Is it time for new struts? Are these expensive?

 

Anyone?

 

I would say check struts and engine mounts. If you had bad struts, normally you would feel the car is badly leaning when making turns.

 

The struts, or the top plates to the struts, or a bushing or motor mount. Can you reproduce teh sound by bouncing the front of the car up and down?

 

I just tried to reproduce the sound as you described [burr, it is cold out here--34 deg F which is cold by Houston standards]. Anyway, I couldn't do it. Front end feels pretty solid. The sound seems to come and go. Early in the morning is when it's most likely to make this sound.

I appreciate y'alls help....

 

I think it could be the engine mounts. When u shift from P to D does the car jerk...???

 

No, the car doesn't jerk.