noise resulting from suspension lift

Submitted: Tuesday, Oct 31, 2006 at 19:39

ThreadID: 39011 Views:3378 Replies:4 FollowUps:3

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zook

G'day,

I was wondering if I can get some advice on what this noise is. I have a jimny that got raised by 2" recently with progressive and heavier springs, (though I have driven about 1000km's since so I think the springs have settled) and when I drive slowly and turn I get this funny clicking sound that seems to be coming from underneath the car (around where the new springs are). It may also happen when I drive quickly I just can't hear it.

Now, I have done some reading of past posts and it seems to suggest CV joints? I hope this isn't the case, I have not done many km's about 55000km. (It also has automatic hubs (which I also found was cause for concern). But, This sound only started after I got the suspension done.

I was just wondering if anyone has any idea what the noise is, or how it can be fixed?

ALSO, (although this noise has been pre-new suspension) there is a really loud "Clunking" noise (coming from the rear of the car (again sounds like it is from the suspension area)) whenever I drive over wo-boys, but it has gotten so bad that I now hear it whenever I drive over speed bumps. I replaced the suspension because I got it measured and it was clapping out, and I though new heavier suspension would have solved this problem... but no.

Can anyone help me at all?

Thank you in advance

zook

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Reply By: Eric Experience. - Tuesday, Oct 31, 2006 at 20:53

Tuesday, Oct 31, 2006 at 20:53

Zook.
Sounds like the springs are not correctly designed and are placing a load on the universal joints, I would be refitting the original springs because there is no way they could be clapped out at only 55k. Shop keepers will tell you anything to make a sale. Eric

AnswerID: 202150

Reply By: nissnut - Tuesday, Oct 31, 2006 at 21:10

Tuesday, Oct 31, 2006 at 21:10

Hi Zook, Had a similar problem when I did a suspension lift on my Niva [ no giggling from the peanut gallery]. In my case the 2" lift caused an increase in the angle of the drive shafts which in turn made the universals work under more stress. This then resulted in a clicking noise which, mind you, was also noticeable on over run. The heavy clunk could be anything, exhaust pipe, shocks, bushes etc. Hope you get it soughted out ok..................regards, nissnut

AnswerID: 202158

Reply By: zook - Tuesday, Oct 31, 2006 at 22:19

Tuesday, Oct 31, 2006 at 22:19

thanks, I'll chase up the universal joints question with the guy who fitted the suspension.. I did ask him, about them, but said that 2" wouldn't make a big enough difference to matter.

How do i solve the universal joints problem?

I couldn't understand about the springs either, but I measured them and they had sagged by 14mm on right and 9mm on left, and I also wanted a lift, but I am rethinking cos of this problem... covered under warranty though.

In regards to the clunking, I tried to get it fixed under warranty they said "no is because you need new suspension"... I might have to go back and have a go at them before my warranty runs out.

zook

AnswerID: 202187

Follow Up By: Member - Stephen M (NSW) - Wednesday, Nov 01, 2006 at 18:09

Wednesday, Nov 01, 2006 at 18:09

Hi there zook, mate I dont like your chances with warranty cause you know what there going to say, sorry mate aftermarket suspension voided your warranty, my mates jimny has a big crack in the body panel when you open up the passengers door right where the striker is for the door lock, runs from bottom up towards the roof and took it to suzuki and they told him bad luck as he had modified the suspension and said thats why is it cracking, he bought the vehicle brand new and has never smashed it. Tryed looking at other avenues but was told pretty much the same by every one in regards to his warranty and the crack continues to get worse, might pay to check yours out just incase its a design fault, Good luck anyway hope you get it sorted out. Regards Steve M

FollowupID: 461808

Follow Up By: zook - Thursday, Nov 02, 2006 at 13:01

Thursday, Nov 02, 2006 at 13:01

I can't see a big crack (thank god) but before I got the suspension done they said it would only void things related to suspension. I queried what these were, and it was things like shocks, springs (which were dead and they wouldn't replace anyway) bushes, etc. I specifically asked about drive train and they said no it would be fine. Also they said it shouldn't affect anything else.

I have heard reports that the cracks can occur because of a lack of steering dampener (I got one fitted under warranty after kicking up a stink - might be worth it anyway?) I don't know but your mates situation doesn't sound good

I haven't asked to have a look yet (very busy) so I'll found out whether they're two faced..

Thanks for the heads up

FollowupID: 462039

Reply By: BenSpoon - Wednesday, Nov 01, 2006 at 16:15

Wednesday, Nov 01, 2006 at 16:15

You need to rotate your diffs to stop the clicking- theres different things to help that. For a spring front end you can get eccentric caster bushes, for leaf front end you can get wedges. A large 4wd store can help with that stuff.

With the clunking- mine turned out to be a busted bush on a shocky- check your shocks and make sure they still have bushes top and bottom.

AnswerID: 202302

Follow Up By: zook - Thursday, Nov 02, 2006 at 12:56

Thursday, Nov 02, 2006 at 12:56

Its coils back and front, and I got the shocks replaced (and supposedly they checked all the bushes as well (I got a check by one mob, and the suspension checked and done by another - so I am fairly confident the bushes are ok.) I will take it back to the people who did my suspension, because they did say if I wasn't happy with it they would fix any problems... rotating diffs, I'll ask about that.

I have also looked at the shocks and the bushes seem ok (I think - I am not very mechanically minded - would like to be...)

I have done some experimenting and the clunk is really loud when turning left and going over something uneven, it is moderate when turning right, and nothing when going dead straight... It doesn't mean much to me except that there is obviously something that is not right.

zook

FollowupID: 462037