Updated: New Noises After Lowering

[Varnell]

Alright, so I figure you seem like the perfect people to ask since most of you have rides lower than mine. I put Eibach 2" lowering springs front and back on my stock struts. Ever since then I have been hearing rattling noises every time I hit a bump. It sounds like its coming from under the engine.

Also, when it gets warmer the car creaks like an antique door when I turn the steering wheel. I originally thought it was the rack and pinion so I replaced that, but to no avail.

Have any of you faced any similar problems?

Rattling: it happens when I hit bumps, but this is a video of me doing about 20 and putting it in high gear. I thought it might be the motor mount, but it doesn't make the sound if I'm not moving.

http://youtu.be/whLjSr2y1WE

Creaking: http://youtu.be/sHZ1RBOVPn0

 

[Brimstone Brown]

Re: New Noises After Lowering

I have the same problem. I recently replaced my upper control arms and ball joints and still have a little rattle. My next move is to replace my endlinks and bushings.

 

[Varnell]

Re: New Noises After Lowering

Yea, I replaced my ball joints when I got the car, about a year before I lowered it. I've also replaced the control arms twice since I lowered it. I think the bushings might be what's causing the creaking, though.

 

[Brimstone Brown]

Re: New Noises After Lowering

Try lubing up all the suspension components.

 

[simplicity]

Re: New Noises After Lowering

2 inches isn't very low...I wonder if your springs are seated properly against the shock perch....assuming the install was good...you should check the usual suspects: lower balljoints, tie rod end....sway bar endlinks and bushings...

I'd also make sure your top damper shaft nut is tight and torqued to spec...I think spec is 22 ft-lb....along with checking the shock to body mounting bolts....

 

[LeBirdNest]

Re: New Noises After Lowering

Video?

 

[Varnell]

Re: New Noises After Lowering

Currently my back shocks are blown, so I'm looking into coilovers. I'll make sure everything is solid when I install them. If the problem persists I'll put up a video. Thanks for advice. My ball joints are new, so I'm leaning more toward the bushings being the problem.

 

[talontsiawd]

Re: New Noises After Lowering

A quick test you can do is spray your springs with tire foam. If it goes away, that means your springs are likely not seated properly, or the rubber piece is done with. Any creaking will come back pretty quick but it works to diagnose.

 

[Valet]

New Noises After Lowering

Why would you even bother with springs then? Just wondering...

Cause on stock struts is bad enough. Let alone on blown ones...

 

[Varnell]

Re: New Noises After Lowering

^I'm not sure if you're referring to me or the poster before you, but I'm done with my springs. The guy that installed them didn't even mention getting aftermarket struts, so I'd bet money they're not even on right. They've been making the sounds since I had the springs put on.

I had next to no idea what I was getting into. I'm just glad I found this site before making any new suspension decisions.