Creaking into next gear and over speed bumps

[180sxdan]

Hey guys,

Over the last couple of days I've noticed a creaking noise my car (94 180SX SR20 Turbo) tends to make the most during the start of operation, so say the cars been parked for a few hours then I get in for a drive. As soon as I start moving in gear (1st or reverse) then shifting up into 2nd and 3rd I'll hear a creaking noise which lasts maybe half a second and happens maybe twice at a time. I have heard it going over speed bumps early during the drive as well. After maybe 10 or so minutes driving I can't hear the noise anymore... or if it's there it's very faint. Any idea what this could be?

My guess is some sort of bushing is starting to let go but I'd really like your suggestions. For reference the car has 137k kms on it or 85k miles.

Cheers.

[ezb57e]

Are you pushing in the clutch as you coast over the speed bumps?

[180sxdan]

Are you pushing in the clutch as you coast over the speed bumps?

No I wasn't, I spent some time troubleshooting, found the problem to be coming from the rear of the car. Finally managed to find someone to jump in the car with me under it and I found the issue to be my exhaust rubbing on my rear left lower control arm. Is there anything I can stick between the control arm and my exhaust to stop the rubbing or wear on the exhaust? I tried some aluminium foil which lasted a day, as well as lowering it slightly but I really don't want to lower it any more if i can avoid it. That's why I'm trying to find a houshold item/material to put in there instead.

Cheers.

[ezb57e]

Glad you found it.
Anything will wear quickly.
Can you bend the exhaust away?