Suspension noises. Ugh.
03-23-2011, 08:47 AM
#1
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Suspension noises. Ugh.
OK, so as of lately I've noticed my suspension makes a few more creaks and knocks. I know I've got some squeak from the adjustable sway bar endlinks, it's a high-pitch squeak...kinda like a bird chirp. I've also got a "groan" at low speeds and some knock on expansion joints. I have a good idea that it's from the lower ball joints, which I am ordering today. But I've also got a knocking in the rear that I can't figure out and it only happens at low speed going across small/sharp bumps like the expansion joins in my parking deck at work. This one I can't figure out. Are there any componants that wear out in the rear much? All the control arm bushings look to be in good shape with no dry-rot or rubber being pushed out (front and rear and the lower ball joinds are in good physical condition). I'll probably try removing the swaybar and greasing the bushings and endlinks...but that's all I can think to do on the rear.
What kinda of noise do the tie-rod ends make when they're bad?
What kinda of noise do the tie-rod ends make when they're bad?
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03-23-2011, 09:51 AM
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exhaust -Yeah, I make sure it's bouncing around everwhere against the diff/subframe to comfuse othersd about where the noise is really coming from.
PPF bolts in rear that aren't fully tight -I've found that if they're loose, it allows the driveline to flex and absorb more clutch chatter.
lug nuts that were under-torqued -Actually, having under torqued nuts are like having active camber control as the wheel wobbles, try it sometime.
crap in trunk/spare tire area hiding -Damn, I didn't think it could be one of the 438 sockets I leave in the trunk just rolling around, or the spare jack stand I let run loose in the trunk.
loose battery -I don't have a battery.
PPF bolts in rear that aren't fully tight -I've found that if they're loose, it allows the driveline to flex and absorb more clutch chatter.
lug nuts that were under-torqued -Actually, having under torqued nuts are like having active camber control as the wheel wobbles, try it sometime.
crap in trunk/spare tire area hiding -Damn, I didn't think it could be one of the 438 sockets I leave in the trunk just rolling around, or the spare jack stand I let run loose in the trunk.
loose battery -I don't have a battery.
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03-23-2011, 08:50 PM
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I have a noise thats exactly like yours in the rear and I'm pretty sure its the caliper. I can recreate the noise if I stick my hand in the wheel and shake the caliper. All the bolts are tight... 
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03-23-2011, 09:03 PM
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I've run into that on some cars where the slider pins were loose enough to let the caliper knock on sharp bumps. You can usually diagnose it by braking over the bumps to see if it stops or gets significantly quieter. Braking will put enough tension on the sliders to keep it from knocking.
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03-24-2011, 07:51 AM
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Interesting information. I will be looking into that once I take care of the noises coming from the front. Luckily, the parking deck at my work is perfect for diagnosing/reproducing just about any kind of suspension noise.
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03-26-2011, 12:19 AM
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Well, I ordered some new OE balljoints and crawled under the car. Before I installed them, I removed the sway bar and did a bit of R&R by flushing out the endlinks and slathering dry wax teflon lubricant and cleaning the boots, removed the swaybar bushings and scrubbed them down and also soaked them with the same lube and put it all back together. After driving around for a good bit, the noise has yet to return.
Now do I pass my savings on for the new OEM balljoints or just return them? Should I go ahead and replave the balljoints as a preemptive measure? Mine look fine, no problems with the boots...but comparing the feel of one to the other...I think the ones on my car are close to dry/little grease. The new bootsw feel puffy/tight whereas the old ones feel soft and hollow. Hmmmm
Now do I pass my savings on for the new OEM balljoints or just return them? Should I go ahead and replave the balljoints as a preemptive measure? Mine look fine, no problems with the boots...but comparing the feel of one to the other...I think the ones on my car are close to dry/little grease. The new bootsw feel puffy/tight whereas the old ones feel soft and hollow. Hmmmm
Last edited by Doppelgänger; 03-26-2011 at 11:28 AM.
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05-14-2011, 02:11 PM
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Hey, I'm too new to post a thread, so I thought I would ask my question on here since it's suspension related. I honestly have checked everywhere and cannot find new upper ball joints/control arms for the front of my 1994 n/a. Can anyone please help me? Mine are shot and I am wearing the insides of my tires way too fast. I thought for sure everyone on here is not runnin around using used upper control arms.
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05-14-2011, 02:23 PM
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Hey, I'm too new to post a thread, so I thought I would ask my question on here since it's suspension related. I honestly have checked everywhere and cannot find new upper ball joints/control arms for the front of my 1994 n/a. Can anyone please help me? Mine are shot and I am wearing the insides of my tires way too fast. I thought for sure everyone on here is not runnin around using used upper control arms.
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05-15-2011, 10:52 AM
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There are many reputable Mazda parts yards that sell quality used upper control arms (UCA). Check..as in call... with Flyin' Miata (see the vendor section) as they sell used Miata parts.
BTW- I recommend you go make an introduction thread in the n00b section and put your location in your profile.
BTW- I recommend you go make an introduction thread in the n00b section and put your location in your profile.
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05-15-2011, 04:47 PM
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Thank you for the advice! I added my location and read the meet andgreet section. I also posted my introuction. I have been to flying miata before and haven't seen any control arms yet. But I will try to call them when I'm not at work. I am really looking for brand new control arms if I can find them. I'm a little baffled though. I've searched every specialty miata site I know and all the parts stores, and I still cannot find a single new front upper contol arm. I know you have all upgraded your suspensions and everything, and I can't believe that is all being done while using used upper ball joints attached to used control arms. I could be wrong, but I am just thinking shirley someone makes and sells the part I'm looking for. anyway, I really need new upper ball joints because mine are shot, but if I have to I guess I will buy used. If anyone knows of any place that sells them, I would love to hear about it! By the way, I have a 1994 stock miata 1.8.
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05-16-2011, 02:18 PM
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Alright, I went to that website, thank you for showing me it! I've never heard of it before, but it's great! Anyway, they have what I need, but he said sometimes they ball joint boots are busted. Are those replaceable? If they are, any idea where I can get them and I they will actually fix my problem? Busted upper ball joint boots are the problem I have with mine.
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