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Old Aug 13, 2012 | 08:29 AM
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Default suspension clunk

After installing my c6Z shocks and Z51 sway bars last year, I noticed a clunk from the front or rear or maybe both when going over bumps... i've climbed under the car a few times, re tightened all the bolts, made sure nothing is rubbing and i cant figure out whats making the noise! anyone else had this issue after the suspension upgrade?
making a 2300 mile trip next week so id really like to figure it out soon
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Old Aug 13, 2012 | 12:47 PM
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You need to be absolutely sure that your endlink bolts are tight. If I recall correctly, they should be torqued to 56 ft/lbs. I would go even tighter, like 65 ft/lbs. If this doesn't solve your problem, you may need new endlinks. I know I did.
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Old Aug 13, 2012 | 01:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Cybermind
You need to be absolutely sure that your endlink bolts are tight. If I recall correctly, they should be torqued to 56 ft/lbs. I would go even tighter, like 65 ft/lbs. If this doesn't solve your problem, you may need new endlinks. I know I did.
Yep sounds like something is loose. And on a C5 suspension, torqued to spec usually equals loose Were your end links plastic or metal? If you have the old plastic kind it maybe time to upgrade to the newer metal design.
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Old Aug 13, 2012 | 03:52 PM
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upgraded to metal end links when i did the rest of the work
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Old Aug 14, 2012 | 10:50 AM
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Originally Posted by maroman88
upgraded to metal end links when i did the rest of the work
Did you try re-torquing the upper strut bolts? If those are loose the strut can move about when you hit bumps causing a clunk sound. I'm trying to pin down a clunk myself actually. Thought I got it this weekend, but came back today
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Old Aug 14, 2012 | 07:28 PM
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matter of fact i did, they were loose, do u happen to know correct torque on those? ill check them again
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Old Aug 14, 2012 | 09:18 PM
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Where are the struts on a C5?

Check to make sure the rear bar isn't hitting the cradle near the bushings where the bar bends. A few people have had contact of the bar and cradle in that area. Spacer plates between the bar and cradle will fix it.

As for the sway bar end links. Definately go damn tight on them. A very slightly loose one will cause a major clank. I had a front one loose and I could feel it clank in the floor of the car. And when I say loose, I mean putting a wrench on it and giving it a hard pull gets another 1/4 turn of the nut.
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Old Aug 14, 2012 | 10:02 PM
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Originally Posted by maroman88
matter of fact i did, they were loose, do u happen to know correct torque on those? ill check them again
22lbs technically, but you may want to snug them up a little more.
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Old Aug 14, 2012 | 10:11 PM
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Originally Posted by lionelhutz
Where are the struts on a C5?
Don't make me come over there
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Old Aug 17, 2012 | 09:35 PM
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well i think i got it.... the shock bolts had plenty of play so i snugged them up. the end links i was able to get a few more turns of the wrench on and the front sounds much better, gotta check the rear out tmrw.
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Old Aug 20, 2012 | 10:26 PM
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tightd up all the bolts for the rear sway and shcks... noise is all gone! not a peep on a 14 hour drive last night! thanks guys
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Old Aug 26, 2012 | 09:56 AM
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The rear of my car sounded slightly noisy so I got under it and tightened anything I could. Nothing was significantly loose but I was able to tighten a few things a little more, end links were one of the things. Worth the effort, the rear is as quiet as new.
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Old Aug 26, 2012 | 11:06 AM
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I have the same issue after doing the same work but only when making right turns over uneven road.

I will have to raise her back up and check to make sure everything is tightening.
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