Creaking sound from within the rear of cabin when towing

[jared01]

Hello,

I have a NW Pajero with Genuine Mitsubishi towbar, old man Emu suspension, air bag man air bags, Bridgestone dueler tyres.

There is a creaking sounds which sound like it is coming from the rear passenger side within the cabin, almost up in the roof corner or wall. It only happens when towing and not all the time, but over bumps etc I suppose when the caravan is moving up and down a little on the tow ball.


Any ideas what could be the issue?
Has anyone had something similar?

Hard to narrow down where it is coming from but I'm after some advice.

Thank you.

EDIT

Finally found out that it was simply the vertical towbar bolts on the rear passenger side.

I initially tried to tighten then with my 1/2 inch socket set but couldn't.

I investigated further another time and got out my breaker bar, connected a socket extension and managed to tighten them a bit and it fixed the dam problem. So happy now to be able to tow in peace!

[NJV6]

I get a creaking sound as well. I posted here and got a response to mae sure all the bolts on the towbar were tight.
Mine were tight but the actual tow ball nut was a bit loose, I still get the creaking but I think mine is the rear taildoor moving slightly as the unibody flexs slightly.

[_jp_]

Check the tailgate, particularly the rubber wedge beneath the latch. Spray a bit of lube on it to see if that's the problem.

[jared01]

It sounds like it may be something to do with the rear tail door.

I will check it out and see if there is anything I can lube.

Thanks for the suggestions so far and I will post back with my findings when complete.

[neilo]

My NW creaks as well when I tow caravan checked bolts etc but cant find problem. Oh well I guess its a phantom.

[dhula]

I don't tow but get the creaking sound from time to time. I spray a bit of silicone spray around the rear/tail door seal and also some lube (I use lanolin spray) on teh wedge etc and the noise goes away.
The spray does wear off eventually so I simply spray it again and it's quiet again.

[sharkcaver]

Towbar tongue moving in the receiver I'd guess. Mine does it occasionally too. Tighten the anti-rattle bolt a bit more, that tends to solve my creaking.

[Faereag]

Jared

I cut a 30mm strip of Velcro down the middle so that it is the width of the trapezoid rubber door insert and stuck it on the rubber top and bottom, so that it meets at the Apex. Add a bit of silicone grease to the tow-ball receiver and re-tighten the lock nut. I tow a 3 tonne van and it has stopped that creaking noise in my NT when towing. Much quieter when not towing as well as it has stopped the door clunck sound from the rubber insert wearing. Cost - almost nothing - door needs a tiny bit firmer action when closing, but not significant.

[_jp_]

Towbar tongue moving in the receiver I'd guess. Mine does it occasionally too. Tighten the anti-rattle bolt a bit more, that tends to solve my creaking.

I was under the impression the anti-rattle bolt should be loose when towing and is only to be tightened to prevent the tongue rattling when there is nothing being towed.

[RUGGA]

I was under the impression the anti-rattle bolt should be loose when towing and is only to be tightened to prevent the tongue rattling when there is nothing being towed.

+1

[Faereag]

I was under the impression the anti-rattle bolt should be loose when towing and is only to be tightened to prevent the tongue rattling when there is nothing being towed.

Have always left it tightened when towing - always feels more stable that way (less movement), but will check with Halls Towing to see if I should be leaving it loose. Some sites say tighten - some say leave loose!

[_jp_]

I'm keen to know for sure myself. Looking forward to their reply.

[Faereag]

Just looking at some other sites; for example:

http://blog.supercheapauto.com.au/how-to-install-a-tow-ball-to-your-vehicle/#prettyPhoto

Allins Towbars deal with it in oblique manner saying "Generally it means the rattle bolt has been tightened up whilst towing a caravan or heavy trailer, this may crush/flatten the bolt or hitch shaft preventing the bolt from doing its designed function. The anti-rattle bolt is designed to stop your hitch from rattling when it’s not attached to a trailer."

I sent a message to Halls - awaiting their response. But, it appears that the nut should be loose when towing - don't like it, but there it is!

[Vman]

Never knew that. If anything mine rattles around more when in tow than without? I only just fitted as bolt as mine was missing - drove me nuts with the box trailer on.

Look forward to the confirmation. I would doubt many would remember to loosen (or be aware) to be honest. You would need to remove to save it vibrating out one would assume also.

[Ian H]

I was under the impression the anti-rattle bolt should be loose when towing and is only to be tightened to prevent the tongue rattling when there is nothing being towed.

Correct. That bolt is only for when the tongue is not under pressure and shouldn't be tight under load. You don't want all that weight on the area of a bolt head!