rufrob

Hi all.
I've been playing wack-o-mole with suspension noise from my 02-996tt with 36,000km.
Noises occur over small bumps and cracks in the pavement.
First it started with left front. I started cheap and replaced up the price range finally each part having little to no improvement. Finally the LCA solved the noise. Then the right side I changed the right LCA first and the noise was solved.
Now I am getting an thud and rattle from the rear and sometimes sounds like the front. I've inspected and can't find anything loose.
Except for the upper strut mount, every part I replaced looked fine. I've tried the pry bar technique on loaded and unloaded components.
Is there another technique for testing suspension components?
I'm thinking swaybar links but haven't seen much about them going bad.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Carlo_Carrera

Check to be sure sway bar links and bar mounts and very tight and lubricated.

rufrob

Wow. Thanks. I found the left rear upper sway bar link was in fact loose. I never touched it. I'll report again after a proper test drive.

aclark133

Carlo_, what do you recommend to lube the suspension points with?

Carlo_Carrera

rufrob

Wow. Thanks again. It worked! A silent suspension... for now.

rufrob

Now that the suspension is almost silent, only a slight metallic rattle over bumps from the front left, should I change the rear LCA? I bought new ones thinking they were at fault. I suppose the front LCA work much harder than the rears. Or should I just wait till they become noisy?
I also want to regreaae the cv joints. Even though the boots were not broken the front left was clicking on tight right turns. I regreased it and they are now silent. I read somewhere that early 2000 original Lobro cv grease wasn't the best. So should I do preventative maintenance or leave well enough alone?

Carlo_Carrera

The original wheel bearings and grease were not of the best quality. Have you replace your wheel bearings?

As for replacing the LCAs that is purely your call.

Third-Reef

I had some weirdness in my suspension. I used syringe and needle and injected gear lube in every suspension joint that is a ball and socket type and has a rubber boot. Put a couple CCs in each one. Quieted things down considerably .

Carlo_Carrera

On your recommendation/expalnation I did the same. It did help.

rufrob

That's a great idea. Now to find a greasing syringe.

Carlo_Carrera

I used a large human injection syringe and injected 75w-90 synthetic gear oil.

Third-Reef

A nice sharp needle does not make a big hole in the boot

rufrob

Finally got the alignment done.
First time the shop didn't know about the strut mount adjustment and I ran out our time.
What would cause the rear toe and camber to go out? I didn't touch it.
Second time he got it right.
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The drive experience is transformed.