Coilover Squeaking

[ikarntspel]

Hey all,

I recently installed some HSD coilovers and the front right corner is squeaking, like a bloody mouse is in there. Can hear it over any sort of bump or dip in the road.

Things ive tried but hasnt worked:
Adjusted preload to 2-3mm
Adjusted preload to 0
Wd-40 sprayed the end links
Wd-40 sprayed the top camber plate connection thing
Wd-40 sprayed the bushings on the sway bar
Quadriple checked torques on each bolt

Only other thing i can think of is trying to lower the height of the coil..
I also havent gotten my allignment as i was thinking of doing it when everything doesnt need anymore adjusting

The damper adjustment is about half way 6 clicks from full open (15clicks total)

How the do i get rid of this noise??
ANY help would be appreciated,
Cheers

[MJones_RB]

Search the interwebs for "squeaky coilovers" and you'll get tons of post without answers. Some people re-grease their bushings, some people add bearings between the springs and the coilover mount themselves. Some have found their end links rubbing against the coilover. It just takes a lot of detective work. Look for rubbing marks, dust, etc. Good luck!

[ikarntspel]

Originally Posted by MJones_RB

Search the interwebs for "squeaky coilovers" and you'll get tons of post without answers. Some people re-grease their bushings, some people add bearings between the springs and the coilover mount themselves. Some have found their end links rubbing against the coilover. It just takes a lot of detective work. Look for rubbing marks, dust, etc. Good luck!

Ive read nearly all the links that come up when i search something like that.. Thats why i finally brought myself to posting this haha

[driggity]

Originally Posted by ikarntspel

Wd-40 sprayed the end links
Wd-40 sprayed the top camber plate connection thing
Wd-40 sprayed the bushings on the sway bar

What is your goal with the WD-40? It is not a good lubricant if that's what you're trying to use it for.

[renfield90]

My right rear squeaks, but if I use the loud pedal I don't hear it. My personal opinion is that you should expect some additional NVH when you go to an aftermarket coilover system, and as long as things are doing their job correctly there isn't an issue.

For noise from the front though, definitely pull the wheel off and inspect for the endlink hitting the inside wall or the sway bar grinding on the control arm - these are real issues you will want to fix. Next, you could try swapping top hats left to right to see if the noise is coming from there (depending on your top hats this may negatively impact your alignment, but is OK to do on a short term basis to help diagnose the issue). Lastly, get some Torrington bearings for the springs. One per spring should be enough, although some people like to use two per spring. These allow the springs to twist as they compress/relax which is what the spring naturally wants to do.

[MeisterR]

squeak are normally something that is bush / rubbing related.
knocking normally is something metal to metal / or damper internal (hydraulic knock)
You will need a little search to find out where the noise is from, fixing the noise is the easy part.

The 86 (like the Subaru Impreza suspension) have a known history of making noise in the rear suspension.
That is one reason the MeisterR ZetaCRD coilovers an OEM style rear springs with a rubber insulated press steel rear top mount to help absorb some of the noise.
For race car that don't care about noise, then a aluminium top mount that use standard 62mm / 2.5" ID springs can be use.
Just something to look out for when researching coilovers.





Jerrick

[PandaSPUR]

Originally Posted by driggity

What is your goal with the WD-40? It is not a good lubricant if that's what you're trying to use it for.

+1, WD-40 is more of a cleaner, not a lubricant.

[MeisterR]

WD40 is easy to spray and works quickly, so it is good for fault finding.
If you spray it on something and the squeek went away, then you know where the problem is.

But it will dry up very quickly, so you want to get some probably grease on the parts that require lubrication.
Normally I suggest the old fashion white lithium grease, unless you need something "thicker".

Jerrick

[ikarntspel]

Originally Posted by driggity

What is your goal with the WD-40? It is not a good lubricant if that's what you're trying to use it for.

Originally Posted by PandaSPUR

+1, WD-40 is more of a cleaner, not a lubricant.

Originally Posted by MeisterR

WD40 is easy to spray and works quickly, so it is good for fault finding.
If you spray it on something and the squeek went away, then you know where the problem is.

But it will dry up very quickly, so you want to get some probably grease on the parts that require lubrication.
Normally I suggest the old fashion white lithium grease, unless you need something "thicker".

Jerrick

Thanks for the help Jerrick,

But yes, exactly like Jerrick said, was using the WD-40 to try to pinpoint where the possible squeaking could be coming from. If it did go away then id know that was the spot and would hit it up with grease. Im going to white lithium spray all the bushing joints again today. Do you think i should take the front sway bar off and grease up the bushings there? or would a spray with a straw attachment be enough to get in there.

Thanks again

[ikarntspel]

Ive sprayed white lithium grease all over the swaybar bushings and also end links, i FEEL like the squeaking has reduced but im not too sure. I also sprayed alittle grease on the shock itself. Not sure if i should take off the front sway bar to make sure i get enough grease in there.

Should i do that?? Anyone have any other suggestions?

[Jdmuscle]

So.. I recently installed Tein Flex Z coilovers and I hear a squeak from the front driver side on rough pavement. I’m going to take apart the whole thing to see what the fuck is causing the annoying squeaks

[new2subaru]

Not kidding. Spray the spring perches.

[Tristor]

WD-40 is primarily a solvent, not a lubricant. It can temporarily stop squeaks but an aerosol fluid film like Corrosion-X or similar is a much better bet. If you can, use a grease gun and suspension grease like AMSOil Dominator Racing Lube and grease your bushings under pressure.

[Jdmuscle]

Originally Posted by new2subaru

Not kidding. Spray the spring perches.

This actually worked and the squeak is gone. Thank you.