Spring/Shock probs, Clunks, pops, groans, creaks, squeaks Options

[Rivo]

So over the weekend I spent about 17 hours installing new springs (Eibach 1.5's) Shocks (GR2's) and sway bars (ST). It's easy once you know what to do, but the sounds coming out of the car are horrendous. The rear clicks, pops, and feels like the whole back end is gonna fall off when I go over a bump, like the shocks aren't doing their job or the springs coming loose or something. The front used to make clunks when I turned, but that was fixed by realigning the "out" arrow with the steering knuckle bracket. It now makes some noises on the freeway, and also when you push down on the car. It creaks when you do that. Also, I didn't have to compress the rear springs to reassemble the strut. Meaning, I could turn it slightly when it was in the car, while it was raised. Obviously it doesn't turn with the weight on it, but over a bump could it be coming loose? When I took the stock rears off, the springs were compressed, and I was unable to move them. Am I missing a washer somewhere? I didn't see any when I took the strut assembly apart. Any help is appreciated.

[Junior]

Your bushings might be shot, thats why you're hearing clicks and creaks. You should have replaced them when you installed your sway bars. Even though you just bought new shocks, they could be shot. GR2's are basically stock shocks that come on the celica and when you lowered the car you could have popped your shocks. I suggest you invest in a stiffer shock. I have koni yellows and they work really well. They cost a little more and install requires more work, but they are worth it.

[Rivo]

The shocks themselves are still good, I've taken apart the assembly many time, and have tested the rear shocks themselves. As for the bushings, the larger sway bars came with their own bushings and lubricant. I used all of it.

[GT-4]

there is a little receiver grove on the top mount / seat for the springs that must be put on properly. If it is not, it will pop, squeak, etc. That would explain you problem in the front when turning...its not seated properly...sougs like the springs are moving aroung in there. Actually its the top mount moving around. I have done this before and had the same problem. The same goes for the rear. Take it appart and put it back together properly and problem solved...

[Rivo]

Ok, so I diagnosed the prob with the rear springs. They're too short When they sit in the strut, the strut mount sits on top, and doesn't compress the spring at all. You tighten the mount, and the spring is still loose inside. Does the same thing on the stock struts. The stock springs are taller and get compressed as you tighten the strut mount. I had the idea of having a shop manufacture some sort of spacer to go on the strut mount, a round piece of rubber maybe, but they quoted me like $200 for it, that's more than the cost of the springs. I also called Eibach, and they were clueless, they had no idea. So I'm going to return the springs to tirerack, and get the Suspension Tech springs from nopi. They're cheaper anyway for the same drop. Also, now that the stock springs are back on, they make somewhat the same noise, like the strut mounts are clacking against the damper shaft. Is there supposed to be another insulator on the top of the rear strut mounts? If anybody could get a parts list of the exact parts that are on the rear stock struts, that'd be great. Thanks.

[presure2]

dude, you did somthing wrong. the eibach springs fit perfectly. either you installed them wrong or got the wrong set, or somthing....cuz there are alot of people between here and celica.net who have eibachs, including me who havent had the kinda problems your having...

[Rivo]

Okay okay, so it's still making the clacking noise on the stock springs with the KYB shocks. I tightened down the nut on the damper shaft like crazy, could that be it? Too much torque on it? Here's the situation. With the stock springs on the new struts, I can bounce it on the ground and it won't make a noise. With the eibach's, it makes a clacking noise, because the strut mount hits the springs cuz the springs are coming off. I just saw a layout of the rear suspension, and I'm not missing a piece. I don't know wtf is going on.

[Rivo]

Ok, so I was looking over the book again, and it says to tighten the rear strut mounting bolts after the car is back on the ground, could that be causing the clacking noise? That's not what I've been doing, I've been tightening them when it's in the air....I guess it needs to settle, then you can tighten?

[Rivo]

Ok, the new ST sway bars are rubbing like crazy. I know I have to "massage" it out. Meaning I take a hammer and a rag and just pound away the floor pan until it rubs no more?

[bigredcelica]

Just found the 6gc website - great!!

My reason for looking for this site other than the posession of a 94 GT is that I have the same problem as stated below. I originally had a knocking in the rear of the car after putting 17" Toora rims on. There was some noise before this but not as bad. I had the struts changed for Monroe OEM and springs replaced with ROC springs for the ST202 which dropped the rear by 1.5". The original struts were completely gone (no return on compression) The noise to the rear is gradually getting worse ahgain after 6 weeks. As you describe the clicking, knocking and banging is irritating after spending €500 on replacements (I'm Irish, hense the €). I only seem to find it at slow speeds where the road is rough and unlevel. At higher speeds I suppose the suspension doesn't move as much. What was the final outcome of your problem? I am suspecting the strut mount but don't want to go spending good money after bad. The sway bars were checked as good but what was your "pounding" and did it work? You can understand the reluctance to accept this noise as you always fear that something will go at speed.

You will understand my comment - HELP!!!!!!!!

[3TST]

I have just replaced my suspension (KYB GR-2's with B+G 1.6" lowering springs)so I think I know where the problems are coming from.

Things to check:
For the front shocks -
1. ensure that the springs are seated correctly in the strut and have the rubber seating part top and bottom.
2. ensure the OUT mark on the top flange is aligned correctly.
3. ensure the top knuckle type part is seated correctly - it is grooved on two sides and slots on to the top of the cartridge spindle (in order to locate it correctly the springs must be compressed). Tighten the nut, ensuring that the knuckle part does not turn, before releasing the springs.

For the rear shocks -
1. ensure that the springs are seated correctly and have the rubber seating part top and bottom.
2. ensure the top knuckle type part is seated correctly - it is grooved on one side in order to locate into the cartridge spindle. (in order to locate it correctly the springs must be compressed). Tighten the nut, ensuring that the knuckle part does not turn, before releasing the springs
3. you should have a metal spacer that fits in the top where you tighten down the nut on the top.

Hope all thats helps in solving the problems.

[bigredcelica]

Thanks VPHMC - it looks like you know what you are talking about. Unfortunately there is a void between my knowledge and your descriptions. Could you explain further.

- The "rubber seating part top and bottom" - where exactly? Is this between the spring and where the groove in strut and the strut mount accept the spring or is this the top mount?

- The "top knuckle type part" - is this where the inside spindle of the strut attaches to the strut mount?

- The metal spacer - is this placed between the strut spindle and the mount or between the nut and the rubber top of the strut mount?

Apologies for the questions - I am familiar on how to remove the strut assembly and compress the springs. I just want to be happy with the descriptions and what to look for when it is detached.

Thanks again

[3TST]

[bigredcelica]

Thanks vphmc. This "Fisher Price" instruction makes it clear to someone of my knowledge base. I'll let you know how I get on.