Squeaky suspension after installing new stuff, any ideas?

[ACV1081]

OK well I recnetly installed used, but very new looking tokico/intax springs and struts on my 93 ATX. I have a horrible clanking and squeak coming from the rear I really am wondering why. I may have the rear spindles off for an upgrade to vented rear discs, so I figured I might try and remedy the noise while I'm that far into it. The thing is, I have poly bushings on my 26mm rear bar and had to replace a bent control arm not too long ago also, so I'm curious if the bushings need greased. As for the bent control arm, I think I installed the new one facing the wrong way and is there a way that could be causing any noises? My other thought was the rear strut mounts are gone, but I don't want to do that unless you guys think that is 100% it. The struts had the stickers still on them and I doubt the guy would go to the hassle of buying everything new except the mounts.... also the mounts looked new, but who knows. Lastly, is there any difference between an 89 strut/spring/bushing assembly that could cause issues when swapped onto a 93? Any thing change that is related to the rattle?

Bottom line is I'm just looking for suggestions on things to check while I'm back there to remedy annoying noises. Fire away and if I'm rambling please ask for clarification. Thanks all!


Adam thumb


*NOTE* This post is 100% not grammatically edited and I'm sorry if offends anyone. wink Just trying to get thoughts out of my head quickly.

<small>[ October 13, 2003, 01:25 PM: Message edited by: ACV1081 ]</small>

 

[sdpatt]

Adam, get under the rear of the car while laying on your back and bench press the spare tire well in rhythm with the strut/spring frequency. You should be able to get a better location of the source of the squeaking and banging noises. The poly sway bar bushings are good squeakers back there. I have periodically used silicone grease on those to silence the noises. The banging is a greater concern though. From the bench press position, you can determine if the lateral link is the source of the noise. If you do this check long enough, you might get in a good workout.

<small>[ October 14, 2003, 12:59 PM: Message edited by: sdpatt ]</small>

 

[SHOitoff95]

sdpatt - what don't you know? You never cease to amaze me.

 

[AutoSHO]

I agree with Scott, try to pinpoint the noise. Based on your description, my guess is Swaybar-Body bushings. Mine had a truly hideous squeak, and a little grease has remedied it.

 

[Hack]

I will also concur about the squeaking sounds. I have Delrin sway bar to body bushings. I need to **** them with white lithium grease on a very regular basis or they squeak like mad.

Other than that, do you have an aftermarket exhaust? When I first had my cat-back installed the muffler shop replaced all the factory rubber hangers with big rubber o-rings. These had way too much play and let the exhaust swing around under the car. This caused all sorts of unpleasant banging and clunking. Even this is probably not your problem, hopefully it will help someone doing a search in the future.

 

[sdpatt]

SHOitoff95:
sdpatt - what don't you know? You never cease to amaze me.

Thanks (I think wink ). After 15 years and over 340,000 miles of SHO ownership in combination with education and experience as an analytical engineer (read "Type A" or truly "**** retentive," according to my wife) and hands-on kinda guy and you can imagine where my plethora of information is sourced. I was motorizing Lego projects (before they provided motors) at the age of 9 and building gas powered go carts at the age of 12. I knew I was going to be an engineer. I just didn't know what kind. Answer: Nuclear.

Just so you know, I know there is much that I don't know, but my strength is knowing that I don't know it and I know I am not too old to learn it. (I just made that up).

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

sdpatt:
Just so you know, I know there is much that I don't know, but my strength is knowing that I don't know it and I know I am not too old to learn it. (I just made that up).

thumb

The exact reason I am pursuing a career in education.

It is a huge breakthrough when a person starts to realize how much they do not know, instead of being concerned about how much they do.

Life long learners are incredible human beings.
Motivated, goal oriented, and sincere. This world needs more of them.

 

[ACV1081]

Well, after my bench press session I concur that the swaybar bushings need some serious grease. Phew those things squeal. As for the clank, I cannot replicate it while under the car so I'll just rotate the control arm for the heck of it. I think I might scrap the vented rear rotor idea for now, as I will not be ready to spend the time this weekend. Thanks again Scott and others for the tips, they of course were right on cue. thumb As for the continuous learning topic... I will graduate with a BA in Business Administration this spring and coupled with owning two SHOs, I think I'm a glutton for learning new things daily lol