|
|
05-11-2024, 04:35 PM | #1 |
Lieutenant
503
Rep 497
Posts |
Another Suspension Clunk Thread
My car started developing a clunking/popping noise in the suspension around August last year. My guess was the tie rods, which would affect the alignment to replace. Since the car is seasonal, I figured I'd put the car away a bit early, and do a full front end refresh. Over the Winter/Spring, I replaced/upgraded the following:
- BW Monoball Front Tension Arms (they are still using TRW, BTW) - Lower Control Arms - Tie Rods - Hotchkis Sway Bars + SPL End Links Car is about to hit 50k miles. Engine mounts were replaced at 43k with BW solid rubber mounts, which still look good from visual insepection. Still on original EDC suspension. Shop did a bunch of rear end work for me before checking the front end components and aligning. As a double check, I also re-torqued the steering rack to the subframe. Basically, only thing left untouched is the strut assembly. Car is also supercharged, so engine bay is probably hotter than typical. Onto the noise. The front end is dead silent while the car is cold. After a bit of time (and heat), the noise starts. As you're making a turn, you will hear a pop (or series of pops) from the inside suspension of the turn. I.E. If you make a right turn, you will hear a pop from the right. Make a left, you hear a pop from the left. You also hear noise going in a straight line if there is suspension movement. This is very noticeable on speed bumps. It almost feels like there is slack in the suspension which then needs to be taken up. I hit a bump in the road on the left side, and it felt like that side just wasn't connected at all for a brief moment. At this point, I suspect there is something going on with the top mount or spring tension. Any thoughts on this behavior? Would like to narrow down the suspect before I throw any more parts at the car. As much as an MCS 1WNR kit is catching my eye... |
05-14-2024, 05:54 PM | #3 |
Lieutenant
503
Rep 497
Posts |
Captured a quick video of the clunking noise (volume up). Made a left turn, had an initial series of clunks (left side), and then another smaller clunk while straightening the wheel. It happens while driving in a straight line at times, too. Getting it up in the air tonight. Will start with a visual check, but suspect I'm going to need to pull the struts. Can't think of anything else left that would be making this kind of noise. |
Appreciate
0
|
05-17-2024, 08:40 PM | #4 |
Lieutenant
503
Rep 497
Posts |
Pulled the front struts and disassembled. A bit of dirt made their way into the top hats, but the bearings still seemed to operate smoothly. The struts on the other hand seemed to have very little left under rebound. This would likely explain why the suspension felt "loose" after a bump. Not sure it explains the popping/clunking noises, though.
Either way, it seems the dampers are due for a refresh. Chatting with the shop about an MCS setup. |
Appreciate
0
|
07-12-2024, 07:35 PM | #5 |
Lieutenant
503
Rep 497
Posts |
Updating this thread after finally finding the source of the clunk as an FYI. The front subframe had some loose bolts, including the motor mounts. I'm not sure exactly what happened, but I suspect after the shop wrapped up my rod bearing install, they handed off the final torque and wrap up to a new shop guy. Some of the bolts were properly torqued, some weren't. One of the motor mounts was missing the lower nut. It just took time for everything to start loosening. I've driven 7k+ miles since the rod bearing job, so I'm really hoping that there was no issue with the engine job and this was just an incompetent shop employee wrapping up.
Long story short, if you hear a noise in your front suspension, make sure to go through with a torque wrench on EVERY bolt you can find. Also, car is feeling great with fresh MCS dampers. The stock dampers were definitely feeling a bit tired. |
Appreciate
1
KuRT.exe6.00 |
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|