[Mk2] [Generic] New Coilovers fitted - Clunking noise from front pasenger side

[Timsmr2]

Another update fitted bottom mounts today but still getting the clunking noise so have undone and retighten everything but hasnt solved the problem i'm gonna try undoing the passenger side drop link tomorrow and going out for a drive to see if that helps narrow down the problem

thinking if it goes away then there is a problem with arbs / droplinks and if it persists then the problem lies with the strut itself.

anyway here a couple of pics of the new bottom mounts incase anyones interested.

(replacement is the one on the right)


(car jacked up)

[phipck]

Good work chap, keep us updated

[Phill P]

To confirm its droplink/arb related why not just remove/disconnect the droplink and take the car for a run to see if the noise has gone.

Paul

[Timsmr2]

Ok another update disconnnected the droplink from the arb on the passenger side and cable tied it to the strut so it didnt get caught on anything then went on another test drive but still getting the clunking noise

I starting to think it maybe the struct itself thats faulty. Dont know if its worth disconnecting the drivers side droplink as well incase the noise it travelling along the arb but think this is unlikely as i only get the noise when the front passenger side hits something if i go other a manhole cover etc with the drivers side only i get nothing.

Any ideas anyone?

[Phill P]

Disconnect the other side just to be sure,if its still clonking after that go back to BC/retailer and tell them your findings.


Paul

[Timsmr2]

Ok disconnected the ARB from the drivers side droplink and cable tied droplink to strut. also put a cable tie through the arb and round the strut to make sure the arb didnt rotate and ground. went out for a test drive and still getting the clunking noise.



gonna contact BC and see if they can assist further

[phipck]

I would check the tie rod and any other connecting parts as there's more than just the strut that moves on impact with bumps. Could also be cv joints etc too

Hope you find it soon

[Kev@K-Sport]

Most coilover noises come through install errors.

most comman is incorrect pre-load on the coilover, I would check that.

[Timsmr2]

Most coilover noises come through install errors.

most comman is incorrect pre-load on the coilover, I would check that.

Hi Kev, I think i spoke to you on the phone earlier (sorry i think we got cut off at the end).

Yep i'm gonna reset the preload to 5mm both sides and then see what the result is.

[nick200]

ok a few idea's, 1st is it absolutely certain that its the front making the noise ?

I ask since, it is very easy when lowering the rear - for the control arms to hit the bottom of the sub frame which would cause a clunking noise.


If its definatley the front - then a bit long winded this method , but it may provide the answer for you: Disconnect the arb both sides, remove one strut, make a note of the height settings, remove the spring, refit the strut to the car without the spring. Obviously it wont be driven but you can then manually take the suspension through its full travel ( with a jack ) and see where your suspension is fouling/clunking.

edit, just to add - on these coilovers are they identical passenger/driver side ? If so, could swap them over to see if the noise transfers.

[Timsmr2]

Ok well reset the preload on the front springs to make sure that it was 5mm each side and went out for another drive still getting the noise

Also noticed that both my (brand new) droplinks have been bent

Next step is too remove the coilover, take the spring off and then compress it and check that it is moving smoothly.

If that doesn't yield any results then i'll try refitting it springless and check the suspension through its travel (as Nick suggested)

[David21]

Will be interesting to see what the outcome is of this as i have just ordered a brand new set of the BC BR Series coilovers from DC Performance. I have been told they will be the latest version that BC stock so should come with the revised bottom mount.

I'm hoping it's not a problem with the design still on the coilovers.

[Odin_S]

Had the new part fitted to my BCs and the knocking sound has gone. So happy with the silences

[jonb-]

Luke pointed me to this thread (thanks!)

I've the inverted version and they rattle and awful lot. I don't get any knocks that i've noticed, just a lot of rattling.

If anyone is near me they're welcome to come and check mine out. I might give BC racing a call and get the replacement bottoms anyway (i've not given the car much use since they they were on)

[Timsmr2]

OK Guys another update removed the damper and then removed the bottom mount and bent drop link, spun the locking rings down so that the spring could drop down out the way and set damper to full soft.

Then pushed the damper fully in and releashed so i could see the recoil. Was told that this should be a smooth motion and take arround 5 secs. Mine however took like 5 mins so i looks like a faulty damper.

Have spoken to Kev at BC who has been very helpful and will be sending it back to them for further investigation.

To the couple of people who were concerned about their coilovers I would say give BC a call as they are very helpful and proactive.

[Timsmr2]

OK another update.

BC-racing UK (Apex performance) have received the damper,tested it and confirmed that it's faulty. They have arranged for a new damper to be sent out and also a new set of droplinks which i should be getting sometime next week.

So hopefully this is problem solved. Good news is I have had so much experience with fitting and removing struts in the last few weeks i could probably do it blindfolded now.

Another thing that came up in conversation is the BCs dont come with prevision for the ABS line to be attached. BC said that if anyone could provide them with an old stock unit or send them photos with measurements then they would look to add this to the mr2 coilover kits. So if anyone can help please let me know and i'll out you in touch with the guys at BC/Apex.

[Timsmr2]

Another update. Got the replacement damper insert and replacement front droplinks.

The droplinks they sent were 215mm which are bigger than the standard length ones (also about twice as thick) i was using before. With the new style bottom mounts and the droplinks mounted with the studs point inwards (OEM style) i tried going lock to lock but the links were fouling the mounts on full lock so i mounted them the other way round.

Got the car back on the floor and went for a test drive and no clunking over bumps so problem solved

[3S Service Centre]

finally!

Nice one mate.

James