Chasing a suspension noise
 

Hey guys,

My 86 has been giving me a weird, sharp “tung” from the front suspension, which I’ve been unable to track down so far. It’s fairly random, loud enough that you’d probably be able to hear it from outside the car, and seems to mostly happen when hitting speed bumps unevenly with the front axle.

The only way I’ve been able to hear it more consistently it is by turning downwards and to the right into my driveway, although it sounds milder than when hitting a bump.

The car is a 13 with around 70k. No real track use, was a DD up until a few months ago.

My guess is either shot drop links or -less likely- ARB bushings. Is that a good guess?

Regards,
Alex

What top hats do you have?

The suspension is 100% stock.

If the sound is as described, it sounds like something binding and releasing which is weird. The top hats on early models are notorious for failing, but they make a metallic rattle over low speed bumps (like lane reflectors).

Sound like where your springs seat on the strut it's binding. Check to make sure you have some space between the end of the spring and the lip of the seat. Good luck!

https://i.imgur.com/27D21Ms.jpeg

I'd check the spring on that side like previously mentioned, also check that the 8 bolts holding the aluminum skid tray under the engine are all tight.

Thanks. I just ordered a set of OEM drop links & ARB bushings for the front end. Will also check that part of the strut assembly. Should it be binding, will I be able to move the spring without disassembling everything?

Also, how far away from the lip should the spring be ?

Here you go.

https://i.imgur.com/mhG4YqH.jpg