7 replies to this topic

[NateB]

I am hearing something loose in the front end over bumps.

Seems to be on the passenger side front based on some noise I get pushing that corner of the front down.

My Koni struts are solid- not the problems. It is not the strut spring seats - they are solid.

I was thinking maybe the sway bar links. I pulled the right front wheel and the sway bar link "visually" looks solid as well as its connection points and bushings.

Wondering if maybe it's my sway bar/ sway bar bushings.

It's not a loud noise - but rather a kinda of rattling/ somethin loose noise that occurs over small/large bumps in the road. Doubt if it's anything serious- but it needs repair.

Edited by NateB, 26 March 2005 - 08:32 PM.

[Bay13]

Sway bar end links are worth looking at. They can need tightening or the ball joint at the top or bottom of the link can have too much movement. I like to lay on the ground and reach in and hold the sway bar where the link attached and have someone bounce the car to feel if there is a problem there.

[NateB]

Sway bar end links are worth looking at.  They can need tightening or the ball joint at the top or bottom of the link can have too much movement.  I like to lay on the ground and reach in and hold the sway bar where the link attached and have someone bounce the car to feel if there is a problem there.

Thank Rich for the near instant response !!

I'll follow your suggestion and see what I can come up with.

Nate

[beachnut]

Have you recently replaced your front brake pads? Back before I converted to 302mm rotors I had a rattling noise like that and I swore it was my exhaust system since it had just been installed. Turned out it was my front brake pads rattling. If your noise is consistent on certain bumps or familiar roads then try lightly applying your brakes before you go over those bumps and see if the noise disappears.

[NateB]

Sway bar end links are worth looking at.  They can need tightening or the ball joint at the top or bottom of the link can have too much movement.  I like to lay on the ground and reach in and hold the sway bar where the link attached and have someone bounce the car to feel if there is a problem there.

Rich - Put her back on jack stands with the wheels off.

Appears there is a partial hairline crack on the front passenger side sway bar link toward the lower connection point. The crack does no go all the way thru - but maybe under stress is flexing/separating just enough to make the rattle sounds.


I took the lower sway bar links off both sides to look at them.

Is there SUPPOSED to be play in the sway bar link connection points - you know the bolt and busshing at each end of the sway bar link??

Suppose I might as well order a replacement set from FCP Groton.

PS- Just called my dealer parts department and the guy confirmed that this connection should not wiggle- should be firm.

Edited by NateB, 26 March 2005 - 09:35 PM.

[NateB]

OK- Just replaced my sway bar link rods. No more rattle when I push the car down at each corner.

However, while driving i still hear the noise/rattle. The noise is slight enough that with the windows up and stereo on I probably will not be able to hear it. Everything else looks good . Cannot replicate pushing the car down hard at each corner- wher as prior to the repair I did.

Guess I 'll have to write off the noise as old age ( 10 year old Volvo)

Edited by NateB, 26 March 2005 - 11:40 PM.

[MattM]

Hey Nate,

I feel your pain as I get the same noises. From reading other posts, either the upper spring seats or upper strut mounts might be your culprits. Im replacing both as well as sway bar links when I put on the kw's and i'll let you know if it worked for me.

Matt

[NateB]

Hey Nate,

I feel your pain as I get the same noises.  From reading other posts, either the upper spring seats or upper strut mounts might be your culprits.  Im replacing both as well as sway bar links when I put on the kw's and i'll let you know if it worked for me.

Matt

Maybe could be the upper strut mount on the right side.

Do not believe it's the spring seat- I know what that klunking sounds like.

Anyhoo, jut ran to the grocery store and with the radio on low volume and the windows down, I did not hear a thing.

Guess I can live with it - don't believe it's a safety issue.