Noise and vibration problem...

[DJ Brian]

Okay, here's the short of it. My 98 SVT is having a suspension issue i can not find. The wheel bearings are fine, those were checked. I have worn outer tie rod ends and sway bar end links. But, the groaning and vibration sound while driving at 5-70 mph is annoying as all hell. Here's the kicker. If your driving in a straight line and just shift the wheel to the right an inch...it goes away. Basicly, driving straight and slight left turns make the noise, turn slightly right, and its like there is no problem at all. Could an alignment issue cause this if the toe is way off? What are some of the contours known problems in the suspension...noise and vibration wise? I cant afford to take stabs at what it might be...so hopefully, you guys can help me fix this really annoying issue. The drive axles are fine, but i did notice that the top of the strut (Under the hood) The nut that hold the plate to the body, is raised almost 2 inches...not flush with the body of the car. Is that normal? I also notice a bottoming out effect when i go over speed bumps...is this lose struts? They seem to dampen fine while driving and testing them by pushing on the hood and trunk...no bounce. I know this is a long q...but i really need the help getting this fixed...thanks in advance fella's..

 

[striker2]

check your upper strut mounts and bearings. it sounds like they probably need to be replaced but it could just be that the nut that holds it all together is loose.

 

[BrApple]

how where the wheel bearings checked? also replace what is bad and have an alignment done.


honestly it sounds like a wheel bearing to me ...

 

[crewchiefpro]

Take it to another shop, it has to be the wheel bearing for most of the noise. The strut is another issue that must be addressed, no reason the bolt should be up that far.

 

[BrApple]

The nut that hold the plate to the body, is raised almost 2 inches...not flush with the body of the car. Is that normal?

so the plate isn't against the body or the bolt isn't against the plate?


if the plate isn't against the body there are two possibilities. first the struts where replaced and the wrong spring retaining nut was used. next the strut mounts are shot. or it could be a combination of both.

 

[SVTCANUK]

Sounds like the upper strut mounts are shot for sure, replace them as well as the strut rotational bearings. Even if the wrong nuts were used to hold the upper strut mount the retaining assembly wouldn't be 2" above the strut tower. If the tie rod ends and links are worn then replace them too, you're looking at less than $150 for all these parts then you need an alignment. I would agree that the other noises are coming from the bearing, have it replaced, that involves have it pressed out of the hub and a new one pressed in.