Suspension Rattles

[dstocks]

I have sent a couple of posts on this before, so I apologise in advance for covering this off again.

I have several different noises originating from under the front of the car:

A deep metal on metal sound from both sides.

A higher pitched metal on metal from the passengers side, and

A squeek that occurs sometimes when either the brakes are applied or when I change down a gear (when the front dives slightly - I dont have to jump on the brakes for this to happen).

All noises occur at less than 80kms. I have Bilstein inserts in front (with new strutt tops and Bilstein shocks in back, have replaced all bushes and droplinks in front and have had the steering rack rebuilt.

I am currently being told that the noises are probably due to the fact that the Bilstein suspension is stiffer than the original and that the noise is being transmitted into the body and that the only other thing that can be replaced are engine mounts.

My question is : Does this sound right. Are others having this issue as well

I am about at the point of giving up on the rattles and buying some heavy duty soundproofing.

[EURO]

i am probably not the best person to answer this....

but... it seems that many people who own FTO'S Have these rattles. I have a couple and many others have said they do too... the one similarity is that people have these rattles regardless of their suspension set up....

I know mine is stock, yet when the car was checked out they said my engine mounts, suspension etc was all fine... they didnt have time to investigate further but said its common for a 95 car to have the odd noise...

they also said to be careful of replacing engine mounts as often the aftermarket products in australia were stiffer then the originals and that changing could just make the noise worse....

[devil2004]

A deep metal on metal sound from both sides.

A higher pitched metal on metal from the passengers side, and

A squeek that occurs sometimes when either the brakes are applied or when I change down a gear (when the front dives slightly - I dont have to jump on the brakes for this to happen).

I am about at the point of giving up on the rattles and buying some heavy duty soundproofing.

The deep metal on metal sound on both sides might not be your suspension. Sometimes when your brakes are worn or are starting to wear out, you'll get a metal to metal sound when the car is in motion.

The high pitched metal on metal from the passenger side - I have no idea could probably be your suspension bushes are worn

A squeek that occurs sometimes when either the brakes are applied or when you change gears could possibly be your engine mounts are loose, broken or worn. I'm suspecting that your front engine mount needs adjusting. The easy way to check if it's your engine mounts is to put your car in reverse and slowly release your clutch without accelerating. If the sound occurs then you'll know it's your engine mount.

heavy duty sound proofing will not solve the problems, it's just a band aid solution to your problems. I suggest you fix the problems before any major damage is done to your car.

Hope this helps you.

[dstocks]

Looks like it is worth looking into engine mounts and brakes then.

Thanks for the advice

[Bennoz]

How many kms has your car done?
If its over 120k-ish you might also check out you CV joints. Have a look-see if one of the rubber boots has split perhaps.... although you'd think Pedders would have spotted that. Maybe wheel bearings? But yeah, brakes as well, never hurts to put some fresh pads in...

[akuma3]

How many kms has your car done?
If its over 120k-ish you might also check out you CV joints. Have a look-see if one of the rubber boots has split perhaps.... although you'd think Pedders would have spotted that. Maybe wheel bearings? But yeah, brakes as well, never hurts to put some fresh pads in...

newbie question, where is the CV joints & rubber boots?

[Bennoz]

How many kms has your car done?
If its over 120k-ish you might also check out you CV joints. Have a look-see if one of the rubber boots has split perhaps.... although you'd think Pedders would have spotted that. Maybe wheel bearings? But yeah, brakes as well, never hurts to put some fresh pads in...

newbie question, where is the CV joints & rubber boots?

Your CV (constant velocity) joints are where your driveshafts meet the wheel hubs. They are the joint that enables a straight turning shaft into a bendable shaft (think turning your wheels whilst power is applied to them)
Best way to describe it would be that they are just behind your front disc assembly. The joint is a semi grease packed joint - hence it uses a rubber sleeve sort of thing around it. All front wheel drive cars have them.