Weird Lower Control Arm Problem (Long)
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From: Boring Green, Kentucky
Weird Lower Control Arm Problem (Long) In order to decrease my wheelhop issues, I installed a pair of BMR Lower Control Arms on my 98 Z28. A few days after the install, I kept hearing a LOUD bang and rattle coming from the right LCA. So I take a look under, and find that the rear nut was backed off all almost the way. I was happy to see that the solution was going to be simple, just torque that puppy up tight and eliminate the slop. The bang-rattle did go away. For a little while.
I made 6 runs at the track tonight, and after each run the sound came back after I made a hard left turn towards the timeslip booth. Not as loud, but loud. I was so freaked, I even thought my posi was going. I later ruled that out.
Before I left the track, I crept under the car again to make sure the nuts were tight. They were as tight as I torqued them. But on the way home, every sudden dip in the road caused this thing to bang-rattle so loud, I really thought of calling for help or a tow. It almost sounds like a broken shock.
Now the right side was tougher to change out than the left. The left side lined up perfect and we slid the bolt through. The right side however took some muscle and leverage to get the holes lined up to push the bolt through. The LCA's are a good fit, but not perfect.
I have no clue what this could be. Now we didn't have a grease gun handy, so I didn't squirt any in the bushings. The noise sounds like metal to metal, as if there's some slop to it. But I can't imagine that a lack of grease will make a sound that will reverberate throughout the whole interior of the car.
I will grease it up today, but I will be damned surprised is this cures this AWFUL sound when on a bumpy road.
Help.
I made 6 runs at the track tonight, and after each run the sound came back after I made a hard left turn towards the timeslip booth. Not as loud, but loud. I was so freaked, I even thought my posi was going. I later ruled that out.
Before I left the track, I crept under the car again to make sure the nuts were tight. They were as tight as I torqued them. But on the way home, every sudden dip in the road caused this thing to bang-rattle so loud, I really thought of calling for help or a tow. It almost sounds like a broken shock.
Now the right side was tougher to change out than the left. The left side lined up perfect and we slid the bolt through. The right side however took some muscle and leverage to get the holes lined up to push the bolt through. The LCA's are a good fit, but not perfect.
I have no clue what this could be. Now we didn't have a grease gun handy, so I didn't squirt any in the bushings. The noise sounds like metal to metal, as if there's some slop to it. But I can't imagine that a lack of grease will make a sound that will reverberate throughout the whole interior of the car.
I will grease it up today, but I will be damned surprised is this cures this AWFUL sound when on a bumpy road.
Help.
You should have greased the busjings after the install. I have had mine for about two years, and with basic maint, they are just like new. Also, I would put some blue Loctite on the threads, just in case.
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From: Boring Green, Kentucky
Originally Posted by matt94z
You should have greased the busjings after the install. I have had mine for about two years, and with basic maint, they are just like new. Also, I would put some blue Loctite on the threads, just in case.
Thanks for the reply.
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From: Boring Green, Kentucky
Originally Posted by Xsta Z 28
My passenger side the bolt that mounts the LCA to the frame was loose . . . .
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From: Boring Green, Kentucky
Originally Posted by matt94z
Thought of something else, did you have the suspension preloaded when you tightened the bolt?? Something to think about.
As in having the wheels planted firmly on ground when tightening?NOPE!
Holy **** this could be it. But we had to take the wheel off because we were spinning the bolt while trying to torque the nut. With my buddy holding the bolt head in place from the outside (wheel off), I was able to tighten down.
Now we gotta figure a way to hold the bolt still while we re-tighten. It seemed impossible with the wheel in the way.
Anyway, good idea dude.
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From: Boring Green, Kentucky
Originally Posted by matt94z
Just put a jack under your rear end and preload the suspension. That should fix your prob!
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From: Boring Green, Kentucky
Originally Posted by trackbird
Are these rod ended LCA's?
Here are the choices and specs...
http://www.ls1speed.com/catagory.cfm...r%20Suspension