Page 1 of 2
Creaking sound from rear once car is been thrashed a bit
Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:14 pm
by Scottd
Ball joints maybe? I did think it was the old Konis but since replacing the suspension I know its not that. Been happening for some time, only really when I've been out on a long journey or a run and the car is really warmed up.
scott
Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:19 pm
by Shug
Toe link - it's the grease in the joints that dries out. I've heard of people repacking them, but you might as well be better getting new joints (from Lotus) or thinking about the uprated links (if you're tracking it a lot)
Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:22 pm
by GregR
hmm, I have a creaking/clunking sound coming from the back of mine since MT.. thought it sounded like a tubular or hollow sound, and susected a loose exhaust fitting - the same sort of sound you think?
Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:24 pm
by Scottd
k cheers. Are the one's from Lotus pricey? ...available from a 3rd party?
Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:27 pm
by Shug
GregR wrote:hmm, I have a creaking/clunking sound coming from the back of mine since MT.. thought it sounded like a tubular or hollow sound, and susected a loose exhaust fitting - the same sort of sound you think?
If it's a hollow clunk (like billiard balls) and you have the standard Koni's - it's probably one of them. If it's a creak and a rattly clunk, it'll be the toe-links.
Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:28 pm
by Shug
Scottd wrote:k cheers. Are the one's from Lotus pricey? ...available from a 3rd party?
Not sure - a while ago I think someone got them from MMC at a decent price. The only aftermarkets are upgrade kits. Speak to Stephen Curle though - he's got an idea for uprating without spending over the odds.
Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:30 pm
by GregR
Shug wrote:GregR wrote:hmm, I have a creaking/clunking sound coming from the back of mine since MT.. thought it sounded like a tubular or hollow sound, and susected a loose exhaust fitting - the same sort of sound you think?
If it's a hollow clunk (like billiard balls) and you have the standard Koni's - it's probably one of them. If it's a creak and a rattly clunk, it'll be the toe-links.
ar$ebiscuits. Guess I'll need to get the S2 setup quicker than expected...
Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:32 pm
by Shug
Doesn't necessarily mean they're dead - but in all honesty they will probably be shagged anyway. I blew one when the car was less than 20K old and they were all clunking like barsteward at that point!
Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:48 pm
by Scottd
I read the Konis clunked since new, unless they're leaking I don't think you have to replace them. And even then they'll keep going for a while.
scott
Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:49 pm
by Shug
Scottd wrote:I read the Konis clunked since new, unless they're leaking I don't think you have to replace them. And even then they'll keep going for a while.
scott
Not quite from new - but the drive home from the dealer could do it
Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 2:19 pm
by tenkfeet
How tight should the toe links be ? I was checking mine as part of the service and it took a rather large spanner to move them . When free they were ok but still needed a spanner . When new can you move them by hand ?
Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 2:27 pm
by Shug
Yes. They should move freely (had you disconnected an end or something?) You should be able to rotate the link about 15-20 degrees on the balljoints, but have no side-side play.
They were seized. Exactly what happened to mine on MT with no warning. Think about replacing balljoints on them....
Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 2:36 pm
by Scottd
Shug does doing this kind of work require a Geo afterwards?
Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 2:40 pm
by Shug
Scottd wrote:Shug does doing this kind of work require a Geo afterwards?
Unless you replace like for like and compare the threads of the new one with the old (get the lengths to match exactly) you'll need to get the rear toe re-set. Full geo is overkill and all it'll change on the rear is the toe.
Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 2:56 pm
by Scottd
ok cheers, time to update the to-do list again
scott