What Could Cause Squeaking Noise From Curt Trailer Hitch C38JR

Updated 06/11/2024 | Published 05/11/2023

Question:

Hello, I installed a Curt hitch class 3 13496. I have Thule pro xtr 2 bike rack. On our way to the lake today, there wasn’t any squeaking/creeking noise. On our way back that’s when I noticed the squeaking/creeking noise when we hit any bumps on the road. I figured it might had been our license plate holder missing a bolt but it was not. When we got home I unloaded the bikes and shook the rack to replicate the noise and noticed that the squeaking noise is coming from the Curt hitch. Just wondering if it could be that the bolts loosened up? Or would there be any other reason for the squeaking noise? I made sure that bolts was torqued at the right lbs specified.

asked by: Manuel C

Expert Reply:

It's possible that the bolts of the Curt # C38JR you installed on your 2022 Volkswagen Taos loosened up, so I recommend checking them with a torque wrench to be sure.

It's not common at all, so if they are still torqued correctly, send me a few pictures of the hitch installed (Showing mounting bolts, and receiver) so I can take a look to see if anything stands out.

expert reply by: Samuel C

Guidoj

6/9/2024

Interesting as I’m having the same squeaking on a VW alltrack. Just checked the bolts again and Re-torqued and still Squeaking.

Samuel C.

6/11/2024

@Guidoj Check that there are no points of your muffler/exhaust hanger/exhaust touching the hitch, and check that your rubber exhaust hangers are in good shape not allowing much movement or you may get the exhaust rubbing against part of the hitch.