What Goes Thump
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,884
Likes: 174
From: Melbourne FL
St. Jude Donor '09 & '11
What Goes Thump
All of a sudden I'm getting an annoying llittle thump or dull popping noise at very low speed in my 05 coupe. It's not loud, not a constant rattle, and sounds almost like a very small suspension pop that seems to be coming from under my feet - maybe the fender well area. I've put it on the rack, but can find nothing that might be the cause. I did install Z51 sway bars recently and it has started since then, but I'm not sure there is a connection. Even though the front sway bar is now extremely close to the bottom of the radiator fan shroud I don't think that's it and I can't find another candidate. Is there something under the fender well that could be lose?
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 35
From: Turlock CA
All of a sudden I'm getting an annoying llittle thump or dull popping noise at very low speed in my 05 coupe. It's not loud, not a constant rattle, and sounds almost like a very small suspension pop that seems to be coming from under my feet - maybe the fender well area. I've put it on the rack, but can find nothing that might be the cause. I did install Z51 sway bars recently and it has started since then, but I'm not sure there is a connection. Even though the front sway bar is now extremely close to the bottom of the radiator fan shroud I don't think that's it and I can't find another candidate. Is there something under the fender well that could be lose?
--Dan
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: Myrtle Beach & Greenville, SC -- Hung Like a Republican -- Network Admin/IT
Interesting take....
I've had cheaper tires on other cars make similar weird noises....
Guys, what kind of tires do you have?.... that could be your problem.. possibly.
I've had cheaper tires on other cars make similar weird noises....
Guys, what kind of tires do you have?.... that could be your problem.. possibly.
Last edited by coastalcarolina; Nov 20, 2007 at 09:26 AM. Reason: spelling error
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,884
Likes: 174
From: Melbourne FL
St. Jude Donor '09 & '11
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
From: DFW Texas
I think I may have the same thing. Only rarely, and only when turning I'll get a thump in the suspension. Sounds like it's coming from the front.
I've got original supercar tires that are almost done. I can't imagine the noise coming from the tires.
I've got original supercar tires that are almost done. I can't imagine the noise coming from the tires.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,067
Likes: 1
From: --- N.E., Pa.
I had same problem, after installing Z51 sways. It was from the fact that I did not tighten the links enough. Double check them both sides. I'm guessing that's your problem. If I remember, you need a #40 torx and a ?? MM wrench.
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Michael S. Palmer
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 18,727
Likes: 711
From: Bergen County, NJ
When I installed the Corsa Sports, that happened to me. I did not tighten the bolts on the rear sway bar enough.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 67,022
Likes: 51
From: Beats UD regularly playing 3D chess, and at life
If you recently installed a new sway bar, I'd have to say it's one of two things.
#1. When installing the new sway bar, the end links were put in a bind to get the bar in. Re-center the bar, re-align the links.
#2. If you have stock sway bars and you hear a "popping" sound. Bad links. Tightening the links does not help. They have play where the sway bar connects to the top portion of the link. Easily diagnosed, take a pry bar and wedge up against the bar at each end. You'll hear the same "popping" sound.
Took me two months to troubleshoot this problem. Stock links are junk. I recently installed the Pfadt bushings and heavy duty links.
#1. When installing the new sway bar, the end links were put in a bind to get the bar in. Re-center the bar, re-align the links.
#2. If you have stock sway bars and you hear a "popping" sound. Bad links. Tightening the links does not help. They have play where the sway bar connects to the top portion of the link. Easily diagnosed, take a pry bar and wedge up against the bar at each end. You'll hear the same "popping" sound.
Took me two months to troubleshoot this problem. Stock links are junk. I recently installed the Pfadt bushings and heavy duty links.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,206
Likes: 6
From: Makena, Maui & NM
What Goes Grind
I have a different problem. I have a traffic circle neaby which I use as a "skid pad" occasionally running counterclockwise at night. Anyways, traveling around it at around 35-40mph and at around .7 g's I hear a grinding type noise coming from what seems to be the passenger right rear loaded wheel area. It is not tire squeal or clunk or chatter or popping and I dont hear this sound under normal driving conditions or when running around the same circle at low g's. Any idea what's up? Could it be the be my positraction clutches grabbing? I have the FE1 base suspension.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Mesa AZ
Sounds similar to my complaint, along with a popping sound like when something is binding and just lets go. Never had the sound until the dealer put it up on the lift for an oil change. Now, it's all the time when going slow with the least little turn of the wheel.
