my coilovers are making knocking noises and i need a garage who know their shit!

normally suspension issues are a troubleshooting job where you gotta keep changing things to get noises to stop!

im in west london so the closer the better!

cheers peoples

 

If they are knocking and its defo the coilover units causing it then it usually means they are shagged and need replacing/repairing!

 

the rear right is got a slight knocking when going over slow bumps. was told the pre loaders need adjusting. F**k knows what that means

the rear left is making a disgusting bang when the car goes over a bump where it sort of comes of the road

 

the spring might just not be seated correctly?jack up the car,locate the top of the spring correctly and lower it back down slowly,worth a try,my cossie used to do this sometimes if i jacked it up and didnt relocate springs correctly

 

The preload is another name for the collar, it sounds as though the springs are either too short or you have the collar adjusted too low. Therefore raise the collar up, so it puts the spring under tension, as it sounds as though when you go over a bump, the spring is loose!

 

If this is the case, you can get tiny poundage springs that go on the bottom just to take up slack when you jack up etc, but rate is so low doesn't do anything that you'd notice suspension wise.
tabetha

 

thanx for the replies.

bit confused tho, what side are we talking about? making different noises on each side!

right sides got slight knocking

left side has got an almighty thud when the cars weight comes back down after a high bump! its like theres a heavy peice of metal in the boot flying up then slamming back down!

 

if when you jack it up, the springs are loose, you need to fit some helper springs!

 

im useless when it comes to mechanical stuff

prob need to take it to someone!!!

 

Because you have the collar wound down too low, so this is the springs jumping around!

Wind the collar back up, so the springs are properly preloaded like you have already been told to do by the garage that you took it to .

 

naa havn't taken it to any garage yet or i would have made em do it. explained the noises to someone and from what they thought thats what their conclusion was!

SOOOO does anyone know where can do this for me, im a mechanical looser!

 

Seriously it is a piece of piss - even your Mum could do it .

Jack the car up, so the weight is off the rear springs (use the rear diff to jack it up on). Place axle stands under the car for safety and then take the rear wheels off.

You will be confronted by this (this is the front of mine, but is just to show you the spring preload collar). All you have to do is wind this upwards (ignore the grease, I had a split gaitor ):

I would do it 1" to start with (both sides) and see how it goes.

You will probably notice on the nearside (the side closest to the path / hedges as you drive), the spring will be rubbing somewhere on the inner wing (you will see a shiney part where this has been happening). This is common to all Cosworths, and you need to beat the shit out of the inner wing where it rubs with a fuck-off big rubber hammer (be carefull not to hit the outer wing ) to give some clearance, as this will be the source of some of the noise . Also apply some grease or copper slip to this part of the spring if it is still skimming the inner wing, as this will stop it from squeaking .

 

whys it common on cossies mike ?

beef

 

ahh nice one, i'll have a go tomorrow

 

Ford tolerances . They all need modding like this .

 

Seriously dumb question now but will winding the collar up raise the ride height? im going to run and hide....

 

yes

if you cant run it with the platforms touching the spring for some reason, ie your a chav....


you need helper springs to hold the main springs in place

 

because they cowboys fitting them dont use the correct spacers on the rosejoints.

 

to get round the cowboys incompatance?

 

Only the competition coil-overs have rose jointed ends .

 

there is a lesson in that statement then mike.

so the cowboy statement still stands.