Rear Suspension Noise After Lowering [VIDEO]

[yamahastang]

I installed Steeda Progressives, FP Track shocks/struts, camber bolts, Steeda IRS alignment kit, and 1” spacers on my 2019 GT.

Two days later got an alignment. Three days after that, I started to hear a clicking/ticking noise from the rear every time I go over a bump. Cannot replicate on driveway. Sound does not increase with speed, it’s directly tied to bumps. Both left and right side is doing it.

To try and fix this, I for the second time clocked all bushings in the rear. Every bushing is torqued to spec at ride height. I re-torqued the spacers. I disconnected one sway bar end link and the sound was still there. I swapped the stock shocks back in, sound is still there.

The only problem I had with the install is the amount of rust in the 4 IRS mounting holes. There was enough that I could not fit the Steeda IRS dowels in. So I just put the smaller diameter pins (the rear ones) in the front holes, and they went in snug. The rear does not have them. I figured that’s better than nothing. I haven’t removed these yet but I don’t think this is the cause.

All other suspension components in the rear are OEM. I’ve looked through all of the rear suspension noise posts and I am still unsure what this could be. See video attached taken from my trunk. The noise sounds like it’s coming from the body/upper shock mount area on both sides. Nothing feels off when driving, this noise is just driving me crazy. Especially after spending hours trying to fix it. Thanks in advance.

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[yamahastang]

Also the springs are seated just fine in the isolators I do not believe that is the problem either

 

[Swtbabybilly]

Sorry to hear that, not saying this is it but on 1 of my old cars after I lowered it I would get a similar sound on hard corners and certain bumps ended up being a wheel weight on the inside of the rim was hitting suspension parts after I messed with it and put on wider wheels, figured it cant hurt to check best of luck

 

[ezracer]

This is a much talked about issue on this forum regarding Steeda springs. I get an occasionl clunk when I hit a small depression in the road. Took vehicle back to installer and had all hardware re-torqued. Did not fix the problem AND installer doesn't know what it is. WTF!! Getting tired of the occasional noise. Still trying to figure it out after 3 years. Best of luck to you.

 

[Steeda-Sergio]

I installed Steeda Progressives, FP Track shocks/struts, camber bolts, Steeda IRS alignment kit, and 1” spacers on my 2019 GT.

Two days later got an alignment. Three days after that, I started to hear a clicking/ticking noise from the rear every time I go over a bump. Cannot replicate on driveway. Sound does not increase with speed, it’s directly tied to bumps. Both left and right side is doing it.

To try and fix this, I for the second time clocked all bushings in the rear. Every bushing is torqued to spec at ride height. I re-torqued the spacers. I disconnected one sway bar end link and the sound was still there. I swapped the stock shocks back in, sound is still there.

The only problem I had with the install is the amount of rust in the 4 IRS mounting holes. There was enough that I could not fit the Steeda IRS dowels in. So I just put the smaller diameter pins (the rear ones) in the front holes, and they went in snug. The rear does not have them. I figured that’s better than nothing. I haven’t removed these yet but I don’t think this is the cause.

All other suspension components in the rear are OEM. I’ve looked through all of the rear suspension noise posts and I am still unsure what this could be. See video attached taken from my trunk. The noise sounds like it’s coming from the body/upper shock mount area on both sides. Nothing feels off when driving, this noise is just driving me crazy. Especially after spending hours trying to fix it. Thanks in advance.

Hey yamahastang,

The missing dowels won't be creating the noise. However, if you do want to get those in and don't mind a little fab work, put a bolt thru the dowel with washer and nut on the end to capture it, and chuck it in a drill. Then using 320 Grit, spin and lightly start removing material. Go little at a time to get a snug fit.

Clicking/ Tapping is usually 1 of 2 things. First thing that comes to mind is end-links. I know you mentioned torqued to spec, but did you torque at curb? If not, try that.

The other thing that comes up is what is the condition/ did you replace the rear upper mounts? There is a bearing inside of the mount, and when it goes, it can lead to noises.

 

[yamahastang]

Thanks for the reply @Steeda-Sergio

The end links are torqued to spec at ride height. Either way, I disconnected one end link to see if the noise was still there - and it was.

If by rear upper mount you are referring to the shock mounts, they are brand new as part of the M18000F kit from Ford Performance. To verify that it isn't those mounts, I swapped back in the OEM shocks and mounts, and the sound was still there.

Thoughts?

 

[Steeda-Sergio]

Well, process of elimination is always good. So not end links & mounts. The sound may be passing thru those components. Next place to go over is where this is all connecting, Check your arms.
I know this may seem like a hassle, but its not uncommon for new parts to point out something that is worn elsewhere.

 

[yamahastang]

I figured it out. The sound is coming from the rear shock upper mounts, where the two bolts connect to the body. I believe the mount is rubbing against the body, causing the noise. I lubricated the mating surface between the mount and the body, and the sound is gone.

First I’ve heard of this being an issue. There was some corrosion on the body side so I believe that is why there is some movement there. The bolts are torqued to spec.

 

[Steeda-Sergio]

I will keep that in mind. That is a unique one, but I guess it can be more common as time goes on.

 

[tj@steeda]

This is a much talked about issue on this forum regarding Steeda springs. I get an occasionl clunk when I hit a small depression in the road. Took vehicle back to installer and had all hardware re-torqued. Did not fix the problem AND installer doesn't know what it is. WTF!! Getting tired of the occasional noise. Still trying to figure it out after 3 years. Best of luck to you.

We work closely with customers to help diagnose and resolve installation issues, but once the springs leave our facility, anything can happen during the install.

Given the volume of S550 springs we sell, our track record is very strong.

I’d recommend having a different shop inspect the setup or swapping the springs to see if the noise persists.

Unfortunately, there are many variables beyond the springs.

TJ

 

[ezracer]

We work closely with customers to help diagnose and resolve installation issues, but once the springs leave our facility, anything can happen during the install.

Given the volume of S550 springs we sell, our track record is very strong.

I’d recommend having a different shop inspect the setup or swapping the springs to see if the noise persists.

Unfortunately, there are many variables beyond the springs.

TJ

Thanks! it's a work in progress. Question. When replacing struts It's probably best to do all 4 but can you also just replace pairs, same axle?? Thx.

 

[Steeda-Sergio]

Thanks! it's a work in progress. Question. When replacing struts It's probably best to do all 4 but can you also just replace pairs, same axle?? Thx.

Yup, Ideally, you'd hit all 4 at once, since they tend to fail around the same time. But at a minimum, you'd want to replace the pair. Replacing just one is usually a gamble unless the other 3 were brand new and 1 was shot out of the box.

 

[ezracer]

Yup, Ideally, you'd hit all 4 at once, since they tend to fail around the same time. But at a minimum, you'd want to replace the pair. Replacing just one is usually a gamble unless the other 3 were brand new and 1 was shot out of the box.

Yeah thanks!!

 

[dasrider]

I figured it out. The sound is coming from the rear shock upper mounts, where the two bolts connect to the body. I believe the mount is rubbing against the body, causing the noise. I lubricated the mating surface between the mount and the body, and the sound is gone.

First I’ve heard of this being an issue. There was some corrosion on the body side so I believe that is why there is some movement there. The bolts are torqued to spec.

My car just developed a ticking noise similar to your video from the driver's rear. Except mine does it over any sort of road imperfection, ripples, bumps, etc. Drives me nuts. I can just rock the car by hand and it makes the tick. Steeda Proaction shocks with the fancy billet upper mounts, min drop springs and the 1/8" spacers.

Did you just loosen the two upper bolts and shoot some lubricant back there?

 

[yamahastang]

My car just developed a ticking noise similar to your video from the driver's rear. Except mine does it over any sort of road imperfection, ripples, bumps, etc. Drives me nuts. I can just rock the car by hand and it makes the tick. Steeda Proaction shocks with the fancy billet upper mounts, min drop springs and the 1/8" spacers.

Did you just loosen the two upper bolts and shoot some lubricant back there?

Yup that’s pretty much all I did to diag it. I ended up taking them off and I sanded down the body side and painted it. All good now.

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