Compression/Rebound suspension noise.

[ByronRACE]

I'm experiencing a clunk on rebound after compression of the drivers front suspension. It's a single "clunk" upon rebound of the shock, and you can feel it in the spring.

Before I tear it down, is there something specific I should be looking for? I expect the shock has failed at 54K miles.

I feel no motion of the bottom shock mount. I feel a very light vibration at the top shock mount and the fasteners are not moving. Ball joints are not moving. Sway bar end links are not moving.

Clunk seems to be coming from the top of the shock somewhere. I'm guessing it failed internally.

I can duplicate the clunk in the driveway by jacking the a-arm up on a jack and bouncing the suspension with body weight.

Any advice before I dive in?

Byron

[fastblackmerc]

I'm experiencing a clunk on rebound after compression of the drivers front suspension. It's a single "clunk" upon rebound of the shock, and you can feel it in the spring.

Before I tear it down, is there something specific I should be looking for? I expect the shock has failed at 54K miles.

I feel no motion of the bottom shock mount. I feel a very light vibration at the top shock mount and the fasteners are not moving. Ball joints are not moving. Sway bar end links are not moving.

Clunk seems to be coming from the top of the shock somewhere. I'm guessing it failed internally.

I can duplicate the clunk in the driveway by jacking the a-arm up on a jack and bouncing the suspension with body weight.

Any advice before I dive in?

Byron
A good spring compressor and be careful.

[ByronRACE]

I'm actually shopping for a good spring compressor now. Any suggestions?

Most harbor freight stuff is junk, even so...this seems tempting for a home garage seldom-used tool.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=437 53

I could easily spend $300+ for something that looks similar like this...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Clamshell-Strut-Spring-Compressor-OTC-6494_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZit em4ced3056e4QQitemZ33039688266 0QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTo ols

Has anyone used that harbor freight tool?

[fastblackmerc]

I'm actually shopping for a good spring compressor now. Any suggestions?

Most harbor freight stuff is junk, even so...this seems tempting for a home garage seldom-used tool.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=437 53

I could easily spend $300+ for something that looks similar like this...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Clamshell-Strut-Spring-Compressor-OTC-6494_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZit em4ced3056e4QQitemZ33039688266 0QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTo ols

Has anyone used that harbor freight tool?

They look like the same tool.

I have plenty of Harbor Freight tools. Most I've had no problems with. Their tools aren't bad for infrequent use.

You might be able to get a loaner from your FLAPS.

[ByronRACE]

So I finished the shock replacement on my 03 today and I wanted to offer a little feedback about the Harbor Freight clamshell style spring compressor I purchased for the job.

Don't buy one. That's the short of it.

1. The threaded tension rod galls against the cross bar because they are both made from the same gummy china steel. Once this happens, the two pieces friction weld together. You can fix this by adding a hardened washer of the appropriate size.

2. The arms bent when compressing the first spring. The tool was still usable. The arms bent and twisted when compressing the second spring and I barely finished the job. I had to beat the tool off the spring with a sledge to get it off. I'm returning it monday.

The shock on the drivers side was completely trashed...car rides good now, and noise is gone.

Byron

[Hotrauder]

I am glad that it worked out for you. thanks for the post. Dennis