Creaky front end

I have a 99 Venture I bought a month ago. It was fine, ran like new.
Now, that the weather is getting colder, I notice that my front end is creaking, like when I come to a stop sign, or red light, sounds like a creaky floor.

Funny, though, after driving for about 15-20 minutes, sound goes away.

Any tips?

Thanks

I don't know what it is, but when you find out, please post the solution. My 99 started getting creaky (actually more "crunchy") a few months ago (mainly going up and down my driveway) and then the problem went away. It doesn't make any noise now, but I can "feel" that there is some play in the front suspension when I drive now. I assume it is a bad front end part, but I never found the time and cooperative weather to jack it up, crawl underneath and figure out what is worn out.

I've begun to notice that same thing in my 2000 Venture...especially when turning in or out of the driveway at work. I had the wheels off not too long ago & didn't find any excessive play in the tie-rod ends or lower balljoints. There's no signs of unusual tire wear & if I remove my hands from the steering wheel while on the highway, it stays on track. I suspect something with the struts.

I found this when doing a search, but it's in regards to Cadillacs:

"Some owners may comment on a clunk, rattle, or loose lumber noise from the front of the vehicle when driving over small bumps at low speeds.

Cause
This condition may be due to a number of different sources. These include, but are not limited to:
^ loose strut mounting bolts,
^ loose stabilizer bar link pivots,
^ coil spring clash (1995 DeVille only),
^ noisy front upper strut mounts,
^ noisy engine mount."

I had a similar creeking sound after the dealer did some transmission work, CND$1008. The mechanic did not properly tighten one of the sub-frame to chassis bolts. It hung down 4-6 inches. :headshake The dealer was more than happy to tighten this bolt. After that, no problems.

Thanks,
I'll have to get under there with a torque wrench and try it. It hasn't been doing it the last few days. Can't figure it out, and can't stand it. But otherwise, the car's good so far.

Common cause belive it or not is break dust

Common cause belive it or not is break dust

I find that VERY hard to believe. Can you provide some sort of explanation?

Because todays brake pads are not like the old asbestos pads they wear out faster and stick to everything around them causeing a build up. when the everything cools off and then heats up it rubs making the horrid sound.

I had the same problem with my 99 Venture. It is one of 2 things. First and most probable is the strut bearing. The struts have bearings so the springs don't preset when you turn. When the bearings freeze, the springs preset, they clunk. Also check your tie rod ends. Good Luck.

My car has been making a squeaky noise in the front for a while and it turned out to be the stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bar was cracked on both sides. Parts alone at the dealer cost me $160 which included the stabilizer bar, the bushings and the end links for both sides. The noise is finally gone...

I just had my stabilizer bar links replaced (under extended warranty) and the noise is gone. I also had a knocking noise, replaced the ball joints and knocking noise is gone. Now, just have to figure out a vibration, likely front rotors. Slowly but surely...

then, i saw a 2004 venture...hmm.