I'm continuing my theme of recent posts on SLC maintenance. Its not sexy, but building your SLC so "its cheap to keep" is something you should think about.
Today's topic is suspension rattles, squeaks and growns. I built my SLC to be as quiet inside as possible, so I hear lots of little noises that louder SLC owners may never hear.
I resolved most of the noises during the shake down and have completely torn apart all 4 corners of my suspension several times to find all those unsavory noises.
The source of the suspension noises are generally:
- Loose mono-ball in a rod end: This causes a rattling sound over bumps. To correct the problem, replace the rod end.
- Tight mono-ball in a rod end: This sounds a lot like a loose mono-ball. The noise happens when the suspension just begins to move over a bump. This is because the mono-ball is sticking within its socket, and when it is forced to move it makes a noise as it breaks free. To differentiate between a loose or tight mono-ball, put the car up on jack stands and use a floor jack under the tire to slowly raise the suspension. If it creaks like a haunted house, the mono-ball is sticking. To correct the problem, first try to work some grease into the mono-ball socket. I saw a post on this forum a while back recommending Valvoline Cerulean High pressure grease and it works great. If you are worried about the grease attracting dirt, you can install rod end boots. I have also seen posts recommending that you keep them dry, or lubricate with graphite, or lubricate with dry silicone, but these methods did not work for me.
- Loose lock nuts: There are lock nuts throughout the suspension to secure the rod ends, tie rods, push rods, etc. If the lock nut is not tight, the Rod end / tie rod will rattle within the tolerances of its threaded section. To correct the problem, tighten the lock nut.
- Loose wheel bearing: This is a rattling sound. You can find this by shaking the wheel when the suspension is unloaded. To correct the problem, replace the bearing unit.
- Tire rubbing on body: This is a scraping or growning noise. I consider any tire to body rubbing a safety problem. I had a growning noise after the car was painted. There was just enough paint thickness buildup inside the front wheel well to cause a minor tire rubbing problem. I simply adjusted the inner panel to gain clearance.
I have experienced all the above problems in my SLC. I simply attacked/resolved the loudest noise, then the next loudest noise, and the next loudest noise, ... through many iterations.
I had one pesky rattle in the right rear suspension that I've been chasing for a year. I completely tore that suspension apart for the third time yesterday and finally found the problem. Both mono-balls in the shock were loose.
Fortunately, I live near Mooresville (Race City USA) and there are numerious shops within 10 miles of me who specialize in racing shocks. I went to RE Suspensions and they had the replacement mono-ball units for $30 each. The Mono-balls are held in the shock with a ring clip, so they pop out easily.
If you need one of these shock mono-balls, Go to RESuspension.com and order part # RE-MO-8T-45. Tell them Bill Phillips sent you :laugh:
In the photo below, you can see the new replacement mono-ball is much more beefy.
