Coil springs knocking - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

metalo69 · 12-11-2006, 05:17 PM

I just put on a new set of tokico performance struts, intrax lowering prings, and eibach camber bolts. Now when I go to take a turn I get a knocking sound from the front driverside strut. One of the guys at my local parts store said it sounds like an upper strut bearing is going out and not letting the strut swivel. It basicly sounds like the coil spring is binding up and then slipping causing the knock. I am wondoering what you guys think. Does this sound right to you? Thuis far I have not had enough time to have to suspension alighned or to put the car on stands and check the struts myself as it is about 30 degrees outside. I am thinking it could be that the rear struts are still stock, causing the front caster to be out of wack, but if this was the case both front struts would be making noise not just the driver side one. I don't see how it could be the strut bearing because the factory stuts didn't have any problems but I don't really know what else it could be.

DarkMastyr · 12-11-2006, 05:55 PM

Did you make sure to align the bottom of the spring with the groove in the seat?

94CoupeV6 · 12-11-2006, 06:03 PM

Happened to me too. It went away after a while.

rusty9 · 12-11-2006, 06:36 PM

could also be a worn outer cv joint, but its most likely the strut mount.

metalo69 · 12-12-2006, 05:21 AM

DarkMastyr - Yes I did make sure to line up the slot and the spring. I also reused the rubber pads from the old springs.

94CoupeV6 - I have noticed ithas already started to fade a bit but it still worries me that only one is doing it.

rusty9 - No I thought of this and check while test driving it after the install. If it where a CV joint, as the car turns it would be a constant clicking, but this is a knocking that only happens while turning the wheel, not turning a corner.

All - Thanks for your input guys, hope to hear more.

DarkMastyr · 12-12-2006, 12:05 PM

If it's the strut mount, there's usually some visible signs of wear. Can you see any cracks in it? I know that when my strut mounts went, the crack was very noticeable and just kept growing larger and larger.

metalo69 · 12-12-2006, 03:30 PM

Well, I can't see any crack on it right now with it on my car. When I was putting it together I didn't see any craks but I wasn't really looking for them so I could have overlooked one.

94CoupeV6 · 12-12-2006, 09:35 PM

It felt like it just took a while to break in and for the spring to finally align itself properly in on the strut. Still to this day it makes a noise when turning just not noticeable.

bigbird · 12-14-2006, 02:10 AM

im pretty sure its the strut mout. i have the same problem and same sound on my passenger side and thats whats wrong with mine. im just to lazy to fix it.

metalo69 · 02-25-2007, 12:48 PM

Thanks for all your advice and opinions guys. I am going to replace the front strut mounts in late march at the same time I put the new bump stops in, and replace all the fluids with royal purple.

abew330 · 02-25-2007, 02:30 PM

you know i have the same exact problem..
but the other day i wash my car and applied my hand to the very top of the front driver tire.. and notice it was able to move front to back (not left and right) just the tire/rim alone..
i'll post a video later

couple of the guys here on TN say it might be a bad control arm bushing or ball joint..
ima check it out tomorrow...

but yeah i hear the knocking sound.. i hear it more when going over bumps..

Axel Kain · 02-25-2007, 02:54 PM

you did recheck the tightness of your strut shaft bolt to strut cap (big center bolt) tightness after you let the springs settle right? of corse you did! checking the tightness of the suspension components after they have been driven for a few miles is what you do every time!

i recommend taking a 1/2" breaker bar, or at least a 1/2" ratchet out to your car with a (i cant remember) 21mm, or 22mm socket, and tighten those suckers down!

if you dont believe me, and want proof, before tightening them, pop your hood, and from the top watch your shock shaft and bolt, while bouncing that corner of your car...if the shaft/bolt moves up...theres your proof!

metalo69 · 03-01-2007, 06:40 AM

Axel Kain - Yes I did check the tightness of the bolts after 1,000 miles. There were still tight. I did use a 1/2" breaker bar (its 3 feet long w/o a cheater bar), and your right it takes a 22mm socket. I am fairly sure that the problem is the upper strut mounts, they are binding when the wheel is turned and then slip loose, causing the knocking sound. So I guess we shall see if my instinct is right on this one.

abew330 - You are probably right. As I recall, forward & backward movment of only the wheel is most likely your lover ball joint. Put the car up on a jack stand and see if you can move the tire in and out, and back and forth. Also check the dust boot on the ball joint. If the dust boot is badly damaged, the ball joint probably need to be replaced.