Hi guys - since the past few weeks, I'm hearing a creaking noise from the right rear (through the open rear window). The sound seems to come when just starting to move forwards or backwards. Once the truck has started moving, can't hear it anymore.

Can't see anything that's obviosuly broken. Ride height & handling have not changed from before. Thought wheel bearings, but what I read seems to indicate bearing problems are in the front end, not rear.

Anyone had this problem before? Any ideas? Also read on some site that dirt between the leafs might cause a similar sounds, will try WD40 on the leafs tonight to see if that helps.

I say something is going on with the leaf pack

If it's a first gen. then I would start with the leaf's. They (stock packs) are known for breaking.

Like these guys say, creaking is leafs or it could be a loose/damaged skid plate bolt. Crunching is bushings.

Thanks guys, I'll get under there tonight to check. My gas skid is pretty beaten up, wil check that too.

Don't you have a PML? Maybe check your shackles too.

Crept under today, found the U-bolts were a little loose. Tightened them up as much as I could & now the noise is much less, but still there. To be safe, I'm going to replace the u-bolts over the weekend.

Anyone have the U-bolt size handy?

Yup, I have a PML... checked the shackles too, look ok.

Thanks!

After I changed my leaf packs and shackles I noticed a creaking sound. I'm positive it's not my U bolts - I'm pretty sure in my case it's the rear spring bushings.
I also seem to remember reading about this on XF.

Nice job finding those loose U bolts Suresh! They do need to be checked for correct torque/tightness periodically after installation - especially on something that goes off road due to twisting etc. If you were able to tighten them without stripping the threads I wouldn't bother replacing them. You might actually go backwards by doing that - as they stretch sometimes.

I don't remember the torque spec off the top of my head but it's listed in the FSM and there is a link for that on this site. I want to say it's something like 95-110 ft./lbs.

Good luck!

Only 72-80ftlbs.

If changing the u-bolts doesn't do the trick, check the shackles. I had found that mine had worked themselves a little loose so that the rear of the spring pack was not aligned properly ( it was cocked a little inboard of where it should have been).

k_enn

I'm thinking this^^
After wheeling through the muck and mire of Rausch and Roby’s the teflon between the leaves of my spring pack is long gone and it creaks now and then when dry. After I wheel I pressure wash the packs to try and get all the crap out from in there and spray Peratex Ultra Slick airesol spray (I buy it by the case) in there. Creaks are gone, when they return I spray them again. WD40 won’t last more than a trip or two to the mall…
Like I said; “bushing crunch”

Thanks guys. Bought myself a torque wrench.... better late than never... Torqued everything down to 75ftlb & the noise has gone away. Will get some lube & do what Tom does too. Also bought a pair of new u-bolts to keep on the truck should the need arises. Thank you all.