suspension rattle S70 T5

Post by **jblackburn** » 06 Oct 2009, 07:33

For about a week now, I have noticed what I can only attempt to describe as a quiet 'clunking/rattling' noise from my front left suspension when I go over slight bumps in the road. Sorry I can't be more descriptive, but the noise is definitely getting louder, especially after a long trip this weekend. It's getting worse; it sounds like my tire's going to fall off on rough roads. I'll be the first to admit that I know nothing about suspension - I think the front struts are probably fine (for now anyway), and the front axles were both replaced about 2 years ago. What could this be? Spring seats? Strut mounts? Control arm?

Post by **tjts1** » 06 Oct 2009, 07:47

No way to know for sure without looking but the most likely suspect on these cars is the upper spring seat.
http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exec/p ... ftermarket

When you open the hood, near the base on either side right above the front tires you'll see a large diameter nut. Look just below that nut. If you see a large gap underneath (more than 1/4"), its shot.
My worn our spring seat on the left vs new right.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v242/ ... 1254837308

Post by **jblackburn** » 06 Oct 2009, 08:51

Thanks - I'll take a look there tonight.

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 06 Oct 2009, 12:59

I have the same rattle on my 850 and I replaced the spring seats and it did not fix it. My issue was the sway bar end links.

Post by **JRL** » 06 Oct 2009, 13:48

FCPGroton wrote:I have the same rattle on my 850 and I replaced the spring seats and it did not fix it. My issue was the sway bar end links.

Usually one of those or an upper rear shock mount.
Why would you spend hundreds of dollars before checking out the entire suspension??????

Post by **tjts1** » 06 Oct 2009, 14:07

JRL wrote: Usually one of those or an upper rear shock mount.
Why would you spend hundreds of dollars before checking out the entire suspension??????

I don't think the upper rear shock mount could cause the left front suspension to rattle. We're talking about a $12.25 part.

Post by **jblackburn** » 06 Oct 2009, 17:06

Sorry for this lengthy post. Ok, so, I went and poked around on that side of the car a little bit after work today. I was able to turn the upper (spring?) mount as you can see from this video freely by hand:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoKxV9imtIE

After that, I went and took the tire off (not an easy task by itself - stupid bolts wouldn't budge) and took some pictures, and here's another video. Everything appears to be ok here, and nothing moves noticeably if grabbed, or makes the same noise I've been hearing if I bang on it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx_SCwf7bbA
Under-belly view of the whole thing.

And here are some photos; I myself don't see anything out of the ordinary under this wheel well, but then again i have NO IDEA what to be looking for. Everything is bolted together real tight, and nothing really makes any noise at a joint that I can find.

It looks like the tires have been rubbing against the sidewalls which I thought strange...I have the standard size for a T5.

^^on this last one, I assume there's not supposed to be a bolt in the left side of this mount, is there? I didn't take a look at the other side, but I doubt a piece there would be missing entirely.

Assuming I'm going to replace that top spring seat on top of the engine bay, I've heard several people say to use the XC90 spring mounts...how complicated/how many hours of billable labor would it be to install these on BOTH sides of the car?

Thank you everyone that has helped here, and thank you in advance for any further advice you guys may have.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 06 Oct 2009, 17:26

The spring seat is shot. When you replace them avoid aftermarket parts. I've been using OEM XC90 spring seats when I replace mine. They fit fine and they are much tougher.

...Lee

drkaeppel · Post by **drkaeppel** » 13 Dec 2010, 15:02

I'm getting the same rattle in my 99' S70 - Front driver's side. When I opened the hood, I was able to turn the rubber bushing with my hand. When I did this, the top bolt would actually turn with it. Should I try to tighten this bolt by hand or should this get to a mechanic ASAP?

Klausc · Post by **Klausc** » 13 Dec 2010, 15:24

drkaeppel wrote:I'm getting the same rattle in my 99' S70 - Front driver's side. When I opened the hood, I was able to turn the rubber bushing with my hand. When I did this, the top bolt would actually turn with it. Should I try to tighten this bolt by hand or should this get to a mechanic ASAP?

You will notice the strut rod also turns with the bolt, you should be turning it clockwise. This is not a pending disaster, but does need to be addressed soon. If you have to go to a mechanic because you don't have a spring compressor or don't trust your own work, be prepared for a heafty bill. The XC90 mount is not expensive, but the labor is. It takes about 1 hour for each side of the car, book will say 2 hours/each, plus an alignment.
If your car has original shocks and 130K+ miles, it could be time for new struts/shocks anyway. Same labor, more parts.