2000 V70R front springs rubbing on inner fender

[scot850]

I am having a devil of a time trying to eradicate knocking/groaning noises from the front suspension on this car. So far have replaced the Bilstein HD shocks with Touring spec (HD's too hard for roads around here). Also replaced the upper spring mounts with HD units and bearings with Sachs units from FCP, and IPD HD sway bar links

Noticed that there were rubbing marks on the inner fenders from the LH front spring, don't recall seeing on the RH spring. Knocking still appeared after being to the dealer for an alignment after trans was dropped and all seals replaced. Found the mechanic hadn't torqued the sway bar links. Car then ran ok for a while, but still knocked over bumps. Car is fitted with an IPD 1" anti-sway bar. Found the bushes were worn out, and replaced them. Car no developed a groaning on turning, even the dealer had a go at re-fitting the bushes and lubing with the supplied aqua-lube silicon grease. Now system groans on both sides (sub-frame had been dropped to replace a leaking tranny seal).

I noticed that when the car is up on axle stands, if you turn the steering wheel the LH spring rubs on the inner fender again. I haven't checked what happens when the car is on the ground and the suspension is loaded as I am doing some work under the car.

Anyone else had a similar problem? Only part not replaced was the springs, but they seemed ok when removed by dealer. I'm not sure of the pedigree of the springs. Control arms are not that old and again seem ok (previous owner replaced but don't know the manufacturer).

Looking for suggestions ideas, as I can't sell the car like this.

Thanks,

Neil.

[scot850]

No input at all? I have tried to photograph what I see as the springs rubbing on the inner fenders:

LH front spring rubbing on inner fender

LH spring rubbing on inner fender (2)

RH spring rubbing on inner fender

RH spring rubbing on inner fender (2)

Knuckle to bottom of strut mounting

All pictures were taken with the front wheel removed and sub-frame supported on axle stands.

I believe when the wheels are re-fitted and weight is returned to the suspension, as the control arm will become more level, it will move the strut/spring away from the inner fender, but not by much. If memory is correct, there should be a small amount of movement on the knuckle to lower strut mounts to allow for some camber adjustment. Last picture shows a lot of possible adjustment room. I'm wondering if I were to loosen the lower strut mounting bolts, and push the strut inwards a little, and then try to move the upper strut mounting bolts further out, would this balance the camber movement, but possibly move the spring out slightly from the inner fender, or make it worse.

Any thoughts please or suggestions?

Thanks,

Neil.

[Overland_XC]

Did you figure this out? Got this problem

[scot850]

I found that once the car was down on the ground the gap opened up enough to not cause a problem.

Neil.