[Mk2] [NA] Suspension clatter

[Stroudy]

Hi all.

Yesterday i had a good set of rev5 springs and schocks fitted to my 10th Anniversary to replace the Apex springs and shocks that were on there. I also had new drop links fitted.

When i drive the car (this also happened before the change so prob isnt springs, shocks or drop links) the suspension clatters with a real metallic rattle from pretty much each corner. The car handles perfectly well and doesnt feel worn in any noticeable way.

Does anyone have an idea what might be causing this sound? Everything seemed quite solid when it was up on the ramp and i had a good poke about but could it be anti roll bars? Even if they feel solid when pulling on them? Or another suspension component?

All help gratefully receivd.

Cheers.

[Baker]

Did you check the topmounts?

[Stroudy]

Yes the fitter said they were ok.

What ever it is its bloody annoying. The clatter over pot holes sounds like its coming from lower down than top mounts..

[ashley]

Try re-tightening your drop links, and check your wheel nuts are tight

[Stroudy]

The suspension and brand new drop links all round were only fitted yesterday at a toyota specialist. Do you reckon they would have come loose on the way home!?

[hmltnangel]

I know you said the ARBs were solid, but check the front ARB where it bolts to the chassis. My old tubby rusted through the chassis at that point. All looked okl when there was weight on the car but when the droplinks came off .... it was noticeable. gave a very loud clattering noise over any bump.

[DB Mr2]

I have this, I'm on new struts and drop links. Checked my arb bushes and they seem fine. Had a good grab around of the steering track rod ends and I think I found the noise. Doing the ball joints next week so will take time to see if its the inner or outer parts of the rack that are shot.
Not saying this is your problem but it sounds similar!

[ashley]

The suspension and brand new drop links all round were only fitted yesterday at a toyota specialist. Do you reckon they would have come loose on the way home!?

No- but they may not have been tightened up fully, I've had exactly the symptoms you are talking about with brand new drop links before- I put another quarter turn on my drop link nuts and it went away.

And seriously worth checking your wheel nuts are fully tight- I've seen more than a couple folk struggle to find "suspension" noises only to realise this was the problem

It's always worth ruling out the easy stuff first, failing that start inspecting the other parts- so ball joints, track rod ends, etc etc

[Stroudy]

Thanks for all your replies people. Quick and detailed help from a top community as usual!

Will start checking all the mentioned items starting with tightening the drop links asap.

Cheers.

[Race Idiot]

I had simmilar noises coming from the front, so I replaced the metal thing that the spring mounts to below the topmount



Also there is another part called a spring insulator that goes inbetween that metal plate and the spring.

Part number
48157-17020
\

I'm pretty sure my old shocks didnt have that insulator thing fitted.