odd front strut noise
Last night I inspected my suspension again.. mainly to double check my mechanics work (installed new endlinks)...but also inspected the sway bar bushings and it appears they may be cracked. I ordered 2 new OEM ones, they were $5 each. I really hope this is it!!
I understand the new bushings need to be greased? What kind of grease do I need to use?
I understand the new bushings need to be greased? What kind of grease do I need to use?
I've always used Lithium grease for all bushings but I recently had a conversation with a friend that made me do some additional research. From what I've read, a silicone based grease (Super Lube is one example) has been found to be better for poly and rubber (OEM) bushings. I haven't tried it yet...just some reading I did online
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,477
Likes: 62
From: San Diego
yes, this is what grant concluded. by pure visual, the end strut mount looks fine, and he is wondering how it could go bad since its pure steel (or so it seems and feels)
the other thing that could be is the Control arm bushing, he said it could start going bad (the bushing itself is leveled and looks perfectly fine) but since im lowered (its putting strain on the bushing), thats what he thinks so if anything, it would be replacing the bushing with a solid one.. i think he said an spl solid steel one? not sure.
he took my car for a spin after he did other things and he did hear the noise i was talking about, and he also agrees that it seems to be coming from the strut, but the strut looks fine.
the other thing that could be is the Control arm bushing, he said it could start going bad (the bushing itself is leveled and looks perfectly fine) but since im lowered (its putting strain on the bushing), thats what he thinks so if anything, it would be replacing the bushing with a solid one.. i think he said an spl solid steel one? not sure.
he took my car for a spin after he did other things and he did hear the noise i was talking about, and he also agrees that it seems to be coming from the strut, but the strut looks fine.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Goodyear, Az
yes, this is what grant concluded. by pure visual, the end strut mount looks fine, and he is wondering how it could go bad since its pure steel (or so it seems and feels)
the other thing that could be is the Control arm bushing, he said it could start going bad (the bushing itself is leveled and looks perfectly fine) but since im lowered (its putting strain on the bushing), thats what he thinks so if anything, it would be replacing the bushing with a solid one.. i think he said an spl solid steel one? not sure.
he took my car for a spin after he did other things and he did hear the noise i was talking about, and he also agrees that it seems to be coming from the strut, but the strut looks fine.
the other thing that could be is the Control arm bushing, he said it could start going bad (the bushing itself is leveled and looks perfectly fine) but since im lowered (its putting strain on the bushing), thats what he thinks so if anything, it would be replacing the bushing with a solid one.. i think he said an spl solid steel one? not sure.
he took my car for a spin after he did other things and he did hear the noise i was talking about, and he also agrees that it seems to be coming from the strut, but the strut looks fine.
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,477
Likes: 62
From: San Diego
well as of now, i need to see if its actually that, i want it to snap now 
that way i know for sure its that.. sounds terrible lol. owell for now i will live with this noise! this sunday the car goes on a canyon run so will see! 
that way i know for sure its that.. sounds terrible lol. owell for now i will live with this noise! this sunday the car goes on a canyon run so will see!
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Goodyear, Az
I don't know what I should try to replace first. I don't have the cash to go replacing diff parts lol.
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,477
Likes: 62
From: San Diego
i think the problem is partly on the compression rod bushing, though it could not be exactly off, but it could be torn. because what seemed to me to be a "strut" problem, now seems to be somewhere in the swaybar.
i got this exact same problem. I'll try to locate the source with a visual inspection...
I have about 115 km (70k miles) on my struts.
the noise drives me insane... I hope some of you fixed the issue. If so, share with us! thanks!
I have about 115 km (70k miles) on my struts.
the noise drives me insane... I hope some of you fixed the issue. If so, share with us! thanks!
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,477
Likes: 62
From: San Diego
^well i plan to install a set of coupe suspension and take it to the dealer.... hopefully....hopefully they wont notice the 1/2 inch drop since thats what coupe suspension gives the sedan. if im not mistaken lol.
they wont notice. the dealer actually didnt even trip that i was on coils when i went in and they told me i needed my comp rods replaced so they did it under warranty.
but i think i may know what my clunk noise is now. still need to check out. i think the preload settings on my coils might be off which is allowing my spring to move up and down when there is no load on them.
but i think i may know what my clunk noise is now. still need to check out. i think the preload settings on my coils might be off which is allowing my spring to move up and down when there is no load on them.