Wrenching sound when braking

[wvcadle]

I just bought an Equinox LT (2026). When braking, it sounds like an old spring mattress (wrenching) upon the front end depressing and upon release.

Google the Mechanic (cousins with Dr. Google) says the following:

1. Dry Front Stabilizer (Sway Bar) Bushings


• The Issue: A known issue popping up on the newer generation Equinox platform involves the front stabilizer bar assembly.
Reddit


• Why it squeaks: The sway bar rotates inside heavy rubber bushings to keep the car level. When the nose dives downhill under braking, the bar rotates aggressively. If a bushing is bone-dry from the factory or has a bit of grit in it, it will creak and groan loudly, perfectly mimicking a rusty bed spring.


2. Front Strut Jounce Bumpers / Upper Spring Seats


nhtsa


• The Issue: GM has a long history of "slip-stick" friction noises in Equinox front struts where the rubber bump stop (jounce bumper) or the rubber spring seat rubs tightly against the metal strut shaft when compressed.
nhtsa


• Why it squeaks: Downhill braking forces the front struts to compress significantly. As the metal piston rod or coil spring pushes hard into the rubber seating pads, a lack of factory lubrication causes a loud, rubbery squeaking sound outside the vehicle.

Has anyone else had this issue? It literally sounds like the creaking old trucks make as their bodies move around while pulling into/out of a parking lot.

 

[2025 Red Equinox]

I just bought an Equinox LT (2026). When braking, it sounds like an old spring mattress (wrenching) upon the front end depressing and upon release.

Google the Mechanic (cousins with Dr. Google) says the following:

1. Dry Front Stabilizer (Sway Bar) Bushings


• The Issue: A known issue popping up on the newer generation Equinox platform involves the front stabilizer bar assembly.
Reddit


• Why it squeaks: The sway bar rotates inside heavy rubber bushings to keep the car level. When the nose dives downhill under braking, the bar rotates aggressively. If a bushing is bone-dry from the factory or has a bit of grit in it, it will creak and groan loudly, perfectly mimicking a rusty bed spring.


2. Front Strut Jounce Bumpers / Upper Spring Seats


nhtsa


• The Issue: GM has a long history of "slip-stick" friction noises in Equinox front struts where the rubber bump stop (jounce bumper) or the rubber spring seat rubs tightly against the metal strut shaft when compressed.
nhtsa


• Why it squeaks: Downhill braking forces the front struts to compress significantly. As the metal piston rod or coil spring pushes hard into the rubber seating pads, a lack of factory lubrication causes a loud, rubbery squeaking sound outside the vehicle.

Has anyone else had this issue? It literally sounds like the creaking old trucks make as their bodies move around while pulling into/out of a parking lot.

GM issued a TSB for the 2025 Equinox models, which involved a brake pedal squeak. The noise was present in my 2025 RS AWD since being purchased new. Your description of the sound is very much like the sound mine had.

I returned to the dealer with a copy of the TSB and they applied the grease to the brake pedal pivot (I could not get under the dash to do it myself due to a recent surgery).

Although you model is a 2026, here is a copy of the TSB (with a photo), that may help you with this sound: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2025/MC-11014572-0001.pdf

The Superlube grease mentioned in the TSB comes is a toothpaste-sized tube and is designed for high and low temperature environments. I have a tube and use it on a variety of auto locations.

 

[wvcadle]

Thanks for your reply. I saw that bulletin, but the sound my car is making is definitely outside around the front end. It really sounds like the front suspension isn’t lubricated or torqued properly

 

[2025 Red Equinox]

Thanks for your reply. I saw that bulletin, but the sound my car is making is definitely outside around the front end. It really sounds like the front suspension isn’t lubricated or torqued properly

I recall several posts on this forum a while back where people were complaining about front end noises - some had the front control arm(s) replaced. You may want to do a little searching?