coilover top mount issues on the fd

cyman · May 30, 2011, 04:08:49 PM

ive got a set of ohlins suspension on the rex and i have a knock from the rear end. i thought it was something else but ive ruled everything else out and can only think its either just noise comming through the pillow ball top mounts or its the pillow ball top mounts themselves the reason we think its these is you can actually replicate the knock from the outside by pushing down on each of the rear corners and hear the noise outside and it sounds like the top of the shocker.

now the question is what are my options?? do i try different top mounts mine are solid cusco ones and the pillows are stupid money or do i maybe try to find a top mount that has a rubber bush instead as these will stop the transfer of noise into the car. if this is the best option has anyone had some fitted and where can i get them?

??

L18M · May 30, 2011, 05:08:49 PM

when i had knock coming from coilovers i found out that the top big nut that screws to the strut (holds the top mounts in place) were not tightened.
this made the car rattle like mad even on the smallest of bumps.

cyman · May 30, 2011, 05:24:37 PM

Quote from: L18M;765763when i had knock coming from coilovers i found out that the top big nut that screws to the strut (holds the top mounts in place) were not tightened.
this made the car rattle like mad even on the smallest of bumps.

yeah ive had everything off and checked everything is tight. but it made no difference

thing is raods arent exactley smooth down here in dorset and it can be bloody noisy. im guessing the pillow ball mounts are one step to far but have spent all afternoon trying to find some rubber top mounts i can use on these but cant find any

L18M · May 30, 2011, 08:56:06 PM

i got a set of tein NA that might help?
take the mounts off them? but think one of the rubber mounts was bit warped on the side, cant remember if it was front or rear. you more than welcome to come have a look if you wish.
im in somerset so not too far if you fancy a drive.

cyman · May 30, 2011, 09:06:03 PM

Quote from: L18M;765803i got a set of tein NA that might help?
take the mounts off them? but think one of the rubber mounts was bit warped on the side, cant remember if it was front or rear. you more than welcome to come have a look if you wish.
im in somerset so not too far if you fancy a drive.

mmm sounds interesting. can you take a look and see if the rears mounts look ok?? if they do how much would you want for them and also where abouts are you?? you can pm me the details to save putting on here if you like

dthebuk · May 31, 2011, 02:40:19 PM

You shouldn\'t need pillowball top mounts on the fd. Don\'t the shocks bolt into the lower arms. Uprated top mounts seem like a big waste imo. The standard items will be just as good.

Also have you removed all of the pre laod on the springs? Sometimes the springs don\'t sit correctly when this happens

cyman · May 31, 2011, 03:44:27 PM

Quote from: dthebuk;765941You shouldn\'t need pillowball top mounts on the fd. Don\'t the shocks bolt into the lower arms. Uprated top mounts seem like a big waste imo. The standard items will be just as good.

Also have you removed all of the pre laod on the springs? Sometimes the springs don\'t sit correctly when this happens

the preload is off the spring is about 5 mm from top mount when jacked up which is still in the correct place as the seat is around 15mm inside the spring. this also wouldnt explain why i can get it to knock when its stationary.

will standard top mounts fit on coilovers then the springs are a lot narrower?

dthebuk · May 31, 2011, 05:30:20 PM

Hmmm. I had a similar issue with my fc. The spring was the wrong diameter for the top mount, wouldn\'t move when still but made dodgy noises when driving as load changed.

I\'d try replicating the noise with the wheel off so you can see if anythings happening.

No idea what the stock top mounts even look, I know there\'s no need for updated ones though.

L18M · May 31, 2011, 07:22:13 PM

cyman, can you pm me your email or mobile so i can send some pics over. maybe worth bring your coilovers round to try ass if the mounts fit ok.

i searched about squeeks and might be bushes squeeking due to lower ride height.

raceralexuk · May 31, 2011, 10:33:42 PM

On the rear towers there\'s a stud for locating the rear strutbrace. On the inside of the tower that stud is welded in place with a 15mm diameter washer-type thing. Your rear topmounts may not be machined to clear that stud washer, and they could be rocking about on it.

I\'ve seen that on an FD with Ohlins before..

cyman · May 31, 2011, 11:16:31 PM

yeah i did notice that the mount doesnt sit completly flat and have seen the mark where that round bit is sitting. i didnt know it could be an issue with a cusco top mount though.

raceralexuk · May 31, 2011, 11:34:14 PM

Try doing something about that, the rear topmount can rock about under load on that stud. Best option is to get the top mounts machined to clear. If you really needed I could do that for you myself.