Noise at rear shock help!

[edward993]

Anyone with rear shock expertise, help!

I posted about this same issue some time ago. Update: ever since I replaced the torsions, lowered, and aligned, I got this kind of "clunk" or metal "snap" sound at the rear under uneven loading such as driveways or speedbumps at an angle, but not where both wheels move simultaneously. It drove me nuts and despite two good indep shops looking into it, we can't find anything loose or awry. Well now the sound has gotten WORSE, and it is no longer a single "snap" or "clunk," it is more now like a metallic "creak," again only under uneven loading.

I *think* I've got it located. If I put my hand on the left-rear shock tower and have someone shake the car side to side, not only do I hear it, but I "think" I feel the vibration of that sound through that strut tower. But the nut on top is tight (as is the lower nut)! I don't get it. Where to go from here? Ideas, anyone? Please!!!

(BTW: we ruled out broken sway mounts or swaybar/droplink issues)

Edward

[TRE Cup]

Ed
You have several things to inspect. One of the clues is that it started after you replaced torsions. Check the spring plate mountings very carefully - they develop cracks . Retorque every nut and bolt you have on the rear suspension- you would be surprised on how much noise a slightly loose fastener can make. If still present disconnect the sway bar and check the ride height side to side, after moving the car around. One of the torsion bars may have broken. This is not uncommon. Remove the shocks and inspect the upper mountings. Finally get a pry bar and push on the inner control arm bushes- see if they move fairly equally- look to see that the rubber is not cracked or squeezed out
That should cover it
good luck
dave

[edward993]

Hey Dave,
Thanks for chiming in with your expertise ...I really appreciate it!!!

I have checked the torque on every fastener related to the rear suspension ...three and four times depending on which nut/bolt. I looked for cracks, but will try again; this time more closely at the left springplate (haven't tried that one).

I'll also try removing the shock altogether, thanks, as it really does seem to transfer the "creaking" through the top of the strut when one rocks the car side to side.

BTW, wouldn't a broken torsion bar feel really nasty and awkward on the road?

Again, thanks a bunch for the input, Dave. I'll keep at it and see what I find!

Ed

[Jeff Alton]

I know you ruled out broken sway bar mounts, but the "creak" you described is the sound they make if they are broken aroung the welded on nut. They would still look okay and be welded to the chassis fine but they can develop a crack at the nut where the bushing cap is bolted.

Cheers, Jeff

[edward993]

Hi Jeff,

OK, I'm a bit confused. The rear swaybar mounts where the swaybar bolts (2) onto the body is what we're talking about, right? What "welded-on nut" and "bushing cap" ?? Thanks!

Edward

[Jeff Alton]

Okay, the mount that is welded to the body of the car that the bushing "retainer" bolts to is the part I am talking about. This is the mounts (one on each side) that hold the bar to the bottom of the car. The two bolts that hold on each of these bolt into the bracket. The bracket has two welded nuts that the bolt screw into on the back side of the mount. If that area develops a crack, it will make a creaking noise for a while before it finally fails and tears away from the rest of the mount. The crack can be invisible unless you remove the bar completly. With this type of failure the mount does not tear off the car, it remains firmly welded to the body above the bar and at the outside bottom seam where it is welded at the factory.

Jeff

[edward993]

Ahhh, I get it. thanks, Jeff. I will add that to my list of things to hunt. I appreciate the feedback and clarificatin ...thanks a bunch!!

Ed

[Jeff Alton]

No prob, I was having a little trouble describinbg it......!!

Jeff