Clunk, clunk started after T-1 Spring installed

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Mar 7, 2008 | 11:09 PM

96solo

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Burning Brakes

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 1,161

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From: Chandler AZ

Clunk, clunk started after T-1 Spring installed

I just installed a T-1 spring in my conversion of my Corvette from a SCCA Superstock to A Street Prepared. Now after lowering the car another 1/2 inch I'm getting a clunk, clunk, from the front suspension. Everything looks O.K. and there has been no problems prior to the install. Could it be an unforeseen sway bar link binding? The car has Hotchkiss sway bar with heim joint links.

There is no tire rubbing or stainless steel brake line rubbing.

Help ! Your thoughts?

Mar 7, 2008 | 11:28 PM

rustyguns

Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 2006

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From: Phoenix Arizona

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96solo

Sway bar/A ARM/SHOCK BUSHINGS OR INNER TIE ROD ENDS OR CHASSIS BOLTS ? and yes end links too

G/L !

Mar 7, 2008 | 11:38 PM

96solo

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 1,161

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From: Chandler AZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustyguns

Sway bar/A ARM/SHOCK BUSHINGS OR INNER TIE ROD ENDS OR CHASSIS BOLTS ? and yes end links too

G/L !

Thanks Rod. It's a shame to find it now the evening before NASA Phoenix I'tl Raceway event. The car on the trailer tonight and I'm hoping I have time to find it tomorrow morning. I'm scratching my head on this one.

Tie rod ends haven't been changed since August '05 before Nationals. They are tight and look good. Everything is tight as I routinely do it prior to alignment. I was surprised that I didn't find it during aligning it today. Great gain on camber to -3.0. I only had to change the toe out an 1/8 in the front.

Last edited by 96solo; Mar 8, 2008 at 07:12 AM.

Mar 9, 2008 | 09:50 PM

96solo

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 1,161

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From: Chandler AZ

I found the problem noise in the actual spring molded bushing retainer mounts. Can these bushings be both separately?

Mar 10, 2008 | 01:16 PM

Slow Z06

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From: Houston TX

I have a clunk after installing T1 bars, with z06 end links. Good to know it wasn't your end links, im going to replace mine and hope the noise go's away.

Not sure if you can buy the bushings seperatly though. GL

Mar 10, 2008 | 11:12 PM

spiral04

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 2,983

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From: Redondo Beach Ca

You might call Keith over at LAPD(forum vendor). He had clunking in his T1's and got rid of the noise. I don't know if it's the same noise your talking about, but it's worth a shot. (818) 998-DYNO

Mar 11, 2008 | 02:53 AM

96solo

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 1,161

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From: Chandler AZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiral04

You might call Keith over at LAPD(forum vendor). He had clunking in his T1's and got rid of the noise. I don't know if it's the same noise your talking about, but it's worth a shot. (818) 998-DYNO

Good heads up. Thanks!

I jacked the Corvette up in the front and unloaded the front suspension slowly and listened for the clunk while feeling different parts for the vibration associated to the clunk sound. When I got to the right bushing of the spring the vibration felt the greatest.

I can't feel a performance problem on the track, but then again it is my first time with a T-1 spring. It has to hurt the performance as the spring shifts suddenly. Kind of like earthquakes giving out sudden energy when the forces are too great and suddenly give way that cause the earthquake.

Last edited by 96solo; Mar 11, 2008 at 12:05 PM.