Eibach sportlines binding? Creates noise; possible solution?

[bigwilly43729]

I get a loud creaking noise in the rear when going over large bumps or uneven pavement. It's not really a squeak; I think of a squeak as a higher pitched sound and this is not high pitched at all. It sounds like a squeaky (well damn, lol) door hinge, but much deeper.

Anyway, I've checked my bushings and they appear to be lubed up. Just to make sure, I bought a grease gun and greased them. Greased the swaybar bushings as well. Still need to do the panhard bar, but I'm starting to think that this noise is the springs. It's a little more prominent on the passenger side, but it happens on both sides. I don't think the springs are rubbing in the tunnel either. I didn't see any evidence of it when I looked.

I did some research and I guess because the springs are progressive and so close together, that coil bind is inevitable in those situations and is normal. If anyone can confirm this, I'd appreciate it.

Questions:

Does anyone else experience this?

I have an idea to wrap the coils with some sort of material to muffle the noise from them grinding against each other. Any suggestions on what I could use?

Disclaimer: I am using 2005-2010 springs. If getting the right year springs will make the difference, I'll do that too, but I don't think it would make a difference with this particular problem.

Thanks!

 

[Sky Render]

I'm not sure that springs can really "bind." Is the noise coming from the front or rear? And what strut mounts are you using?

 

[cyclerick]

Did you use synthetic grease?

 

[Rob72]

Are the bump stop and the frame rail touching?

 

[bigwilly43729]

I'm not sure that springs can really "bind." Is the noise coming from the front or rear? And what strut mounts are you using?

It's coming from the rear. I'm using the Steeda HD strut mounts.

Did you use synthetic grease?

Yes. It's not really a squeaking noise; I've had that before and this one is different.

Are the bump stop and the frame rail touching?

I'm not sure. I cut the tops off them. I need to figure out a way to mark them, take it out for a drive and check to see. It's so loud though. But good suggestion.

I'm going to see if I can get some video of the sound.

 

[DGRacing]

It's coming from the rear. I'm using the Steeda HD strut mounts.



Yes. It's not really a squeaking noise; I've had that before and this one is different.



I'm not sure. I cut the tops off them. I need to figure out a way to mark them, take it out for a drive and check to see. It's so loud though. But good suggestion.

I'm going to see if I can get some video of the sound.

That's the reason....


...but strut mounts don't go on the rear....

 

[bigwilly43729]

That's the reason....


...but strut mounts don't go on the rear....

Dammit! I knew something wasn't right!

 

[Sky Render]

That's the reason....


...but strut mounts don't go on the rear....

WTF are you talking about?

Willy, are you getting any weird noises or vibrations from your rear brakes or anything

 

[DGRacing]

WTF are you talking about?

Willy, are you getting any weird noises or vibrations from your rear brakes or anything

Well, the steeda HD strut mounts will create more NVH. I used to have them.
Their noise could still be other things, and often its hard to pinpoint the origin of a noise in the cabin. It can sound like its coming from any direction.

That's WTF I am talking about.

 

[bigwilly43729]

WTF are you talking about?

Willy, are you getting any weird noises or vibrations from your rear brakes or anything

Nah. Car drives well. It's only an issue going over speedbumps. I'll do a more in-depth inspection this weekend.

Well, the steeda HD strut mounts will create more NVH. I used to have them.
Their noise could still be other things, and often its hard to pinpoint the origin of a noise in the cabin. It can sound like its coming from any direction.

That's WTF I am talking about.

It's not NVH; this is just flat out creaking. And it's definitely coming from the rear on the passenger side. I've had several sets of strut mount plates and I have never heard this sound before.

 

[86GT351]

Well, the steeda HD strut mounts will create more NVH. I used to have them.
Their noise could still be other things, and often its hard to pinpoint the origin of a noise in the cabin. It can sound like its coming from any direction.

That's WTF I am talking about.

So you are saying that because it is a Steeda part it is the problem? Any "Upgraded" part with a Higher Durometer than stock Bushing can and will increase noises. With the Aftermarket Plates being more metal than rubber, the metal actually amplifies the nosie!

Front Upper Bushings will most likely not cause the rear noise he is hearing.

To the OP. Have you verified that everything is properly torqued? Are the springs clocked properly in the rear? Do you still have the Spring Isolators in the car?

To clock the Rear Springs the bottom end of the coil should point directly down the axle housing towards the driver side of the car!

 

[bigwilly43729]

So you are saying that because it is a Steeda part it is the problem? Any "Upgraded" part with a Higher Durometer than stock Bushing can and will increase noises. With the Aftermarket Plates being more metal than rubber, the metal actually amplifies the nosie!

Front Upper Bushings will most likely not cause the rear noise he is hearing.

To the OP. Have you verified that everything is properly torqued? Are the springs clocked properly in the rear? Do you still have the Spring Isolators in the car?

To clock the Rear Springs the bottom end of the coil should point directly down the axle housing towards the driver side of the car!

I had a thought on the spring clocking, but didn't think it would make a difference in the rear. I'll be sure to check that out.

Everything seems to be torqued; I got rid of my clunking issues about two weeks ago. And the isolators are in there.

 

[Sky Render]

Umm, what about your UCA? Is it stock? Can you shoot a little white lithium grease on the bushings to see if that helps?

 

[bigwilly43729]

The UCA is stock as well. A little grease there probably won't hurt either.

 

[dark steed]

Grease the panhard, mine has solid ends on both ends and the chassis side is always making noise on big bumps.
I am putting bushing ends on both ends next week...

 

[bigwilly43729]

Will do. Would have done it earlier, but I installed it so I couldn't reach the fitting.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.

 

[DGRacing]

So you are saying that because it is a Steeda part it is the problem? Any "Upgraded" part with a Higher Durometer than stock Bushing can and will increase noises. With the Aftermarket Plates being more metal than rubber, the metal actually amplifies the nosie!

That's all I'm saying! Some people are shocked by this reality.

And to the OP. Creaking etc. IS NVH. It can happen with some parts and doesn't mean necessarily that there's a problem. Your situation may vary.

I have sportlines on a (mostly race-prepped) boss with lots of metal parts, spherical bearings, metal camber plates (as opposed to cushy strut top mounts), etc. and it will creak if it's been sitting for a while. On the track, after the car wiggles a lot and warms up, the creaking disappears....

You might also want to check your damping rates. These are stiffer springs and work better with higher damping if you can adjust it.

 

[Sky Render]

I'm going to say this in all caps, since you still can't seem to figure it out.

THE NOISE IS COMING FROM THE REAR. The caster/camber plates and strut mounts would not cause that.

Sent from my toilet using Tapatalk

 

[bigwilly43729]

I've caused a shitstorm, lol.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I haven't had a chance to get under there yet, but I'll certainly take all options into account.

 

[csamsh]

do you have stock swaybars? The stock, non-zerked bushings can get creaky.