Front Creaking and Popping noises

[dmitri]

I'm hearing a constant creaking/cracking and almost slight popping noise from the front suspension. Im not sure what it is but its not very loud but it gets annoying and i have no idea what it could be. There are alot of huge really deep potholes in NJ that ive grounded out my shocks and suspension on alot lately. Any way to figure out what it is. BTW i have the progress springs on, front strut bar, and rear sway.

[MadBill]

First thing I'd look at dmitri, would be all the fasteners that were undone to do the front spring change, starting with the big ones that clamp the struts to the uprights. I forget the torque spec, (Calling Nova! Come in, Nova?) but I think it's in the low three figures. Next would be the nut at the top of each strut, and finally the three nuts that retain each spring plate to the tower. (It's really easy to strip these last ones!) If that doesn't do it, the struts may be hammered from bottoming out. If you're not absolutely sure it's the front making the noise, check the bolts on the rear swaybar. The spec. is really high on them too, and even modest undertorquing will allow it to creak.

[Houston]

From your description, my first guess would be where one of the struts (or both) connect with the tower. Your description exactly describes a problem I had with my Grand Prix and that's what it was. They replaced something major up there, but I can't tell you what.

[dmitri]

i tried tightening the nut on top of the struts.,..the one under the rubbber cover. all this did was turn the spring, when i tried turning it, the spring was trying to turn as well, so i left it.Next thing is, once i can get my wheels off, is to check the other bolts i disconnected when doing my springs (i never re-tightened them after the install about half a year ago)I cant get my wheels off because i think the tire place that mounted my tires stripped the lug nuts because i cant fit my breaker bar on a few of them...its like their slightly sideways in the hole.

[dmitri]

oh man... the creaking and cracking is getting worse. Now its pretty evident. I think something is either loose or the spring/strut went bad from potholes.i went to the place that monted my tire to the wheel. They messed up and the lug nut is on the stud crooked because when i try to take it off, it just spins sideways and the socket gets wedged in the hole. I brought it back and they said theyd fix it, but are not responsible for damage to my wheel.

[philndz]

Quote, originally posted by dmitri »i went to the place that monted my tire to the wheel. They messed up and the lug nut is on the stud crooked because when i try to take it off, it just spins sideways and the socket gets wedged in the hole. I brought it back and they said theyd fix it, but are not responsible for damage to my wheel. Dmitri....I wouldn't take that from them...if they screwed up then they have to pay. A local walmart here forgot to tighten the oil pan drain bolt on a porsche and so the guy drives off and his oil gradually leaks out and the porsche engine blows....walmart bought him a new porsche!Dont take their crap...when a company screws up they need to stand behind their mistake. If they mess up you wheel they need to compensate you for that.The only way they have out is if when you handed them the keys you signed a waiver that says they are not responsible....then you would need a lawyer but for one wheel its not worth it. Good luck w/ it man!-Phil

[dmitri]

well i dunno maybe someone can help me think of things to say. they did the job on january 2nd. I have no way of proving i didnt take my wheel off doing something and put it on wrong myself.i dunno how many wheels its liek this on but it better be fixed tomorrow cause me and my friends are making a video and my car needs to be ready its comin out on DVD btw, its all NJ and NY street racing if anyone is interested...were gonna have a site for it soon. On a side note, i did my 0-60 with the G-meter (which is accurate to .2 of a second) and did a 6.17.

[DavidPIL]

Hi dmitri,Don't know if what I'm experiencing is the same but I hear a pop usually when first starting out. Backing out of my garage I sometimes notice a pop up front. Sometimes it doesn't happen till I stop at the end of the alley. Noticed it more strongly after my tire rotation, exited the tire shop, first light a loud pop up front. I'm hoping it's just cold causing this so I won't worrk about it any more till it warms up. For me it seems to happen while stopping (once or twice while taking off from a stop), not going over a bump or while in continual motion.My truck used to rattle up front on bumps when it was cold. My mother's Tracer used to do the same but in all temps. The truck was normal but the Tracer was taken in for an alignment, they replaced a steering rod (maybe tie rod) because it was bent. I don't think it rattles anymore. I would seriously hope it's not something like a bent rod but who knows. Might be worth having checked. I'm not going to worry about my popping noise till it carries through into warmer weather.Dave

[philndz]

Quote, originally posted by dmitri »well i dunno maybe someone can help me think of things to say. shouldnt be too hard....hell, just ask the manager: "if I screw up your wheel then who's responsible????!"Well, you might want to try being nicer about first....but getting up-front and straight w/ them is always an option.

[dmitri]

no, the creaking is getting bad now. i think somethings loose, i dunno if i should be driving it. steers normal tho so i dunno maybe its something rubbing