New springs exhibiting noise - seemingly on one strut

[fatalelement]

Hey, I just installed a set of Tein H-Techs on the FRS - everything went well, I am fairly sure I didn't do anything wrong. Was very meticulous, torqued everything to spec, etc.

However, when I went for a test drive, and now on the second day still, I notice a popping noise that seems to come from the back right strut.

It happens when the suspension is under uneven load - such as coming in or out of a driveway at an angle, or during a turn. What makes me guess this is the spring moving over itself or something is that if it happens during, say, a right curve, it won't happen again until I turn the car the opposite direction or do something to load the suspension the opposite way. It also will never happen in a straight line, despite speed bumps or anything else, unless the load is uneven (like a pothole).

That being said, I've tried making it happen and then getting under the car with a mirror and flashlight, and can't seem to see the spring changing in any way no matter which "direction" I last turned when it made the noise. It's driving me nuts and I don't want to undo the strut without some idea of the issue because it was such a hassle.

I'd also rather not take it to a suspension place and empty my wallet out for no reason. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Ozzman]

Check all nuts and bolts related to your sway bars.

[mav1178]

It's the strut/spring.

Either the shock nut is loose, or the spring isn't seated properly.

-alex

[fatalelement]

Originally Posted by mav1178

It's the strut/spring.

Either the shock nut is loose, or the spring isn't seated properly.

-alex

I'll pop the whole deal out tomorrow morning and give it a second go. I tried loading the suspension with a jack just now, but couldn't get it to do the noise - probably not enough load anyway.

Thanks! I'll report back with my results.

[Lunatic]

Did you find the problem?

[fatalelement]

Originally Posted by Ozzman

Check all nuts and bolts related to your sway bars.

haha I hate you - you were right, I checked and one of my sway bar endlink bolts (the right side, rear sway) is tight - but not to spec - and is stripped tight. it's apparently a bit loose I guess, I dropped by a reputable shop around here and the owner (a NASA winner several times, no less!) pretty much assured me after some listening that it's the bolt moving slightly in the hole when the body rolls and really leans on or yanks up on the sway bar on that wheel.

Originally Posted by Lunatic

Did you find the problem?

So yes! I can't get it off though, tried a few things. No sawzall or anything, so someone's gonna have to knock/cut it off for me. Any way I can get a new bolt without going to the dealer?

[Koa]

Originally Posted by fatalelement

haha I hate you - you were right, I checked and one of my sway bar endlink bolts (the right side, rear sway) is tight - but not to spec - and is stripped tight. it's apparently a bit loose I guess, I dropped by a reputable shop around here and the owner (a NASA winner several times, no less!) pretty much assured me after some listening that it's the bolt moving slightly in the hole when the body rolls and really leans on or yanks up on the sway bar on that wheel.



So yes! I can't get it off though, tried a few things. No sawzall or anything, so someone's gonna have to knock/cut it off for me. Any way I can get a new bolt without going to the dealer?

Not trying to be a smartass, but go to a bolt store. You need grade 8+

[fatalelement]

Originally Posted by Koa

Not trying to be a smartass, but go to a bolt store. You need grade 8+

no it's fine haha, no offense taken. I just didn't know if they are some special kind of bolt. thanks for the info! I'll take a look this weekend.