2000 V70R - AWD Front suspension noises

Post by **scot850** » 16 Feb 2016, 16:32

As long as I can remember in the 3.5 years (but only 7000km) of owning this car it has had various noises (groans/graunches) from the front suspension.

From looking at the PO receipts he replaced the lower control arms but the brand is not specified (at the price unlikely to be OE).

The car is also fitted with IPD front and rear ant-sway bars.

I replaced the Bilstein HD front shocks as they were way too hard on our roads, also replaced the upper spring seats and bearing plates.

I have since replaced the anti-sway bar end links first with IPD HD and recently with Mayle HD. Also replaced the front IPD anti-sway bar bushes as the old ones were worn out, then replaced them again with Energy Suspension bushes to try to get rid of the issues. The problem can afflict both sides, but more noticeable on RH side particularly when turning LEFT.

This is driving me nuts as it totally spoils the driving of the car, to the point where I am driving it less and less. I had hoped after the latest replacement parts I may have fixed the issue but it is just as bad.

Could the issue be caused by something else?

Crank engine mount was replaced by OE at sealer as well as the LH mount at the transmission (OE), and the top mount (Hutchison).

Can this possibly be the sub-frame bushes? The dealer has had the sub-frame off several times replacing engine/trans/angle gear seals and I'm not 100% but I think the issue may have started after one of these visits, but I don't want to say I am 100% sure of this.

Any suggestions?

I am considering removing the end-links to see if the front anti-sway bar is the issue, but maybe by doing so it may affect how the suspension responds to the resistance of loading up the suspension when turning. I won't be driving the car at any speed as 20km can make the noise appear.

Thanks in advance.

Neil.

Post by **scot850** » 17 Feb 2016, 14:50

Checked what top mounts I used and I used IPD HD mount and bearing kit (bearing is Sachs/Boge). Can't figure the brand of lower front control arms used as I don't recognise the part numbering system: ACVO-4257/8. Problem is the PO also had a Golf and has invoices for both vehicle parts so maybe these were not for this car? Maybe I'll re-look at them for wear.

As I have had problems with all IPD suspension parts fitted to this car by PO and myself, I'll need to check the top mounts for failure when I work on the trial run without the anti-sway bar links removed.

Can the sub-frame mounts cause issues/noises? Never had an issue with them before on any 850/P80, but they are getting older and like I said, I'm fairly sure this started after the sub-frame was removed by the dealer for transmission/engine seal replacements.

Neil.

Post by **scot850** » 19 Feb 2016, 15:17

Still looking for some suggestions on what to look at. I have already priced new OE front springs, lower control arms and anti-sway bar (nearly $1200 CDN or $850 US). Tired of all the aftermarket stuff.

What do lower ball-joints sound like (if anything) when failing?

Neil.

Post by **oragex** » 19 Feb 2016, 15:29

When you open the hood and push down on the front member (where the hood locks) does it make the noise? I had a creaking noise after I left the car on a steep incline for a while. It would happen at the slightest street bump and also when turning the steering at parking speed. I could not figure out where it was coming from, fortunately it disappeared by itself a few weeks later. I think it could possible come from some exhaust part rubbing on the frame, or from the sway bar/frame bushings.

If the noise is from some bushing, one trick is to spray one bushing at a time with some aerosol lubricant (the wd40 is not exactly a lubricant) then drive the car to see if the noise is gone.

Post by **scot850** » 19 Feb 2016, 15:37

All good suggestions. I have done this before, but worth another try, especially as the car was off the ground for 9 months or so.

I have tried bouncing the front end, but usually nothing happens on the straight-ahead. I will try again.

I am planning to remove the end-links as I mentioned earlier for a short trial run around the block to see if that sheds any light.

Appreciate the help!

Neil.

IG-88A · Post by **IG-88A** » 19 Feb 2016, 18:38

Mine has had a squeak, groan, creak when turning into and out of a parking spot at a tight angle. Mine happens on the left when turning right. Opposite of yours. I've also recently replaced everything suspension-wise except for subframe bushings. I'm curious about the outcome of this, as I've been driving myself crazy trying to locate the source of the noise, as well. Mine didn't happen until I refreshed everything. I believe a bad ball joint will cause more of a rattle/light clunk than any squeak. I originally thought that maybe it was the steering stops on the control arms, as I have never greased them per recommendation. But this will happen to me when not at full lock, so it can't be those. Did you use lube on your sway bar bushings? I'm assuming they are polyurethane.

Post by **scot850** » 19 Feb 2016, 23:24

I have used both IPD supplied Aqua-lube and similar product from Energy Suspension. Makes no difference. ES bushes have a grease nipple and I've pumped loads of their grease in there.

In your case, you should lube the nylon stop on the front of the control arms, because if the metal arm stop touches those when dry then can groan. Having said that, like me you are saying this happens when not even on full lock. I know mine have been grease, but you may want to try yours and post back. The other thing, do you have the OE anti-sway bar still? IF so, you should check the bushes as they do fail and can cause the issue you are experiencing.

I'll post back if I ever get to the source of this issue.

Thanks again,

Neil.

IG-88A · Post by **IG-88A** » 20 Feb 2016, 08:00

I do have the original OE sway bar bushings.They appeared OK when I did everything else. But I'll see if I can try to work them around while under the car this weekend to check them out better. Thanks. I've got a small digital audio recorder. This weekend, I'll try to visit the parking garage where this always seems to get the best of me. If I can tie or tape it up under the driver side somewhere and set the mic sensitivity on low, I might be able to get a decent clip of it, without engine noise inside the garage drowning it out. If I can, I'll see if I can find out a way to host audio, post a link, and let you have a listen. Trying to find different places to put the recorder may also help me track the sound to its general area.

TK101 · Post by **TK101** » 20 Feb 2016, 08:34

Have you replaced the steering rack bushings?

Post by **scot850** » 20 Feb 2016, 13:34

Be careful with the OE bushes as they are bonded to the OE anti-sway bar. Best way to check is to disconnect the end links and gently try to turn the sway bar while watching the join between bar and bush. Don't force it. If you feel resistance and see no obvious gap appearing between the bush and the sway bar, then all is good. Check that the bushes have not become oil soaked as this can cause them to move slightly under the bush.

Neil.