Fixed Poping Noise in Front end
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,012
Likes: 15
From: Jensen Beach FL
Fixed Poping Noise in Front end
My car developed a loud popping in the front end when I had the wheel turned and hit a bump. This all started after I got caught out in a downpour and ran through some water. Just a couple inches. The pop was so bad I could feel it through the floor of the car so I knew it was in the suspension. I have C5 Z06 sway bars on my base suspension coupe so I suspected the bushings. I unbolted the bushing bracket and put some dielectric grease on them. Problem solved. There was no rust or and even the paint was still on the sway bar so I don't know why it just started.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,012
Likes: 15
From: Jensen Beach FL
Funny that is exactly what I first thought. The pop was so loud I was looking for something broken or loose. I checked the shocks and shock bolts and they were fine. Looked at my end links and they were alright so then I took the bushings off and they looked fine. No rust on the bar or anything but I had read posts on here about squeaking due to the bushings and not to use petroleum based lubes and to use dielectric grease which is the same GM recommends for the rubber door seals. I guess the bar was not free to rotate on the bushings hence the pop. Funny this should happen 4 years after the installation of the Z06 bars. I know you can get polyurethane bushings with grease fittings but they can make for a stiff ride. I may get them though if the problem comes back next time I get caught in the rain.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,012
Likes: 15
From: Jensen Beach FL
Update: The popping has returned so I guess the dielectric grease was not a solution. I just ordered Z06 Polyurethane Bushings from Zip products. I hope this takes care of the issue. I wonder if I should use a couple washers on the under the sway bar mounting holes to accommodate the larger bars/bushings?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
I had this same issue long ago. I ended up getting under there and putting wrenches on every bolt and nut that I could find. I did find the RF tie-rod end nut, turned about a quarter of a turn. Noise problem stopped instantly.
