Recently I had a problem with my KW's where the lower shock eye slid off the bushing causing a loud clunk, the creaking noise was also present at this time. I was hoping the new shock bushings would take care of the creaking also but I wasn't so lucky. If I push the rear of the car up and down it will make the noise once or twice and stop until I rock the car front to back and repeat. The dealer blamed it on the KW rear upper spring adjuster but the noise didn't show up until a year after they were installed. I am leaning towards a loose rear crossmember bolt or bolts. Are these bolts torque to yield? If so that may be the cause of the noise, I am also betting the moron at the dealer that did the alignment did not torque them to the required 133 ftlbs. Any input is greatly appreciated.
Here's a video. The clicking noise is the problem, it's louder inside the car. Video of suspension noise - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Like Erik said, the rear sway bushings can squeak/creak a lot. Go slowly over a speed bump at an angle with the windows down and see if you hear any thing that sounds a lot like wet rubber bands.
Crap, This is all good info. I'm debating on the coil overs! Hope your able to fix the squeak. Hopefully I'll know what to do if this happens to me.
Well I guess I'll get under the car tomorrow and retorque everything.:blowup: Did anyone watch the video I posted above? The clicking noise that you hear when I push the car up and down is the problem. I'll post what I find tomorrow.
damn richie, i would go nuts with that!!! first thing i would look at is the four main cross member / carriage bolts..... next would be the spring perches for the kw's..... good luck bro, hope all works out!!
I re-torqued everything and the noise went away for a little while but came back but not as bad as before. One of the cradle bolts was 1/2 turn loose but that isn't the cause of the noise. I think the problem is the rear shock or shocks. The car was quiet for the first year after installing the KW's. The shocks take the most abuse of all suspension components so it makes sense that the rear shocks could be toast. So it looks like the SRT will be out commison for a while once I send the shocks back for warranty replacement, it took KW five weeks just to get me two rear shock eye bushings last time. Strike two for KW. The best part is my car is driven on the street and has only been to the dragstrip twice, just imagine how quick this would have happened if I road raced this car. :novote: I'm leaning towards the complete Pedders package.
wow richie, i wonder if you just got a bad set???? i have had my kw's on for close to two years, slammed low the entire time, beat the crap of them when i do drive it (shut up ron), and i have never had a sound come from mine........ i think yours is the only one i can recall having issues like this. i hope kw gets you the replacements asap!!!
My car is only lowered 1/2" front 3/4" rear so I know that it wasn't caused by the shock piston bottoming out. It's embarassing to drive a $40K plus car that has more creaks and rattles than my $24K 98 Z28 did and was rock solid for 100K miles, the Z28 was also drag raced two nights a week from the time it had 400 miles on it. The car will be down for atleast two weeks due to shipping to and from Cali, then however long it takes to inspect and decide to repair or replace them. Looks like I'll be riding the kick-n-go to work.:stars:
You didn't save your stock coilovers? You could run those while you are waiting. Maybe a member has a spare set.
Classic word for that move........"bummer"......lol I save all my OEM parts just in case when I sell it, it will be a plus to also have original stock parts. Plus I will have something to put in if I have problems.... like yours.
