Creaking suspension

Joined: 24 Oct 2002 Location: Brisbane, Nthsider

Why is my front suspension creaking and banging. I put brand new shocks in thinking that was the problem because the bush in the lower ey had pused out one side causeing metal to metal rubbidge. but it is still doing it. mainly whenever i brake and i am turning left i get a clunk which sounds like it is coming from the frant passenger footwell. also when i first back out my driveway in the morning i get bad creaking from the front left also. I have checked everything i can think ofunder there. nothing is even close the the body. i have checked and tightened all the bolts under there on all the suspension components. got me stumped. could it possibly be this ? http://www.mitsu4wdclubqld.org/tips/tech/tech9704.htm

let me know what you think ppls.

mike.

Joined: 03 Jan 2003 Location: Adelaide, South Australia

Not sure about the clunk sound but....,
If the creaking sound happens when you hit a bump at full lock, eg backing out of your driveway and through a bit of a dip as you go onto the road, then the problem may be caused by the doodah that stops the wheels turning too far.
Turn your steering to almost full lock, and stick your head in under the gaurd and have a look. You'll see sort of a bolt, that rubs against a curved stopper plate a bit like this -) Only one side will rub, depending on which way you are turning. The bolt gets pushed against curved part as the suspension compresses. If it is dry, the metal on metal creak can sound really horrible.
Smear a bit of grease on the curved surface and the noise should stop..., for a while anyway.
I think there was originally a little bit of rubber tube over the bolt part, that held a small about of grease, but they tend to fall off after a few years. Just remember to give it a bit of a smear when ever you are under there..., I doesn't need much.

Joined: 24 Oct 2002 Location: Brisbane, Nthsider

Nope thats not it. Its at any speed coming into when you like turn into a street and you brake and go to 2nd gear or sumfin, hit the brakes and 'clunk'. only when turning left and only on the left hand side.

Joined: 03 Jan 2003 Location: Adelaide, South Australia

Oh..., bummer!
That's the only nasty noise that I've had that didn't involve being high centred. Rolling Eyes

You might be onto something with that other link you have in the first post.
Anyone else?

Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Location: Melbourne

Don't know anything about Paj's but similar noises happen on GQ's. In GQ's its generally the body mounts moving a bit. Gets worse when wet. try tightening the bolts up.

Joined: 26 Oct 2002 Location: Ringwood East, VIC

It's a "feature" of the Pajs.

I had it and a mate still has it, front left on both. Definately suspension. He still hasn't found his prob but I suggest it to be a common fault and to contact Mitsu service and ask them if they have come across it.

Joined: 26 Oct 2002 Location: Ringwood East, VIC

Just checked that link to the QLD Paj site and I'd say that's prob your prob. Can't hurt to check ...

Joined: 26 Oct 2002 Location: Melbourne

Mike, it is common and it could be a few things.
Firstly I WD everything under there after a good mud trip, wishbone bolts, t/bar ends, body mounts etc.
Also regular greasing of all nipples seems to help particularly the balljoints as they are under huge loads especially on lifted rigs.
I also grease the front swaybar mounting bushes.
It seems a combination of the above has eliminated any on road noise but I still get the creaking and t/bar TWANG offroad.
Another thing to check is the rear chassis trailing arm bushes I replaced mine 2 years ago as the onroad creaking noise was really annoying.
In the dry mine was ok but when everything got wet offroad there was still the creaking.

Joined: 24 Oct 2002 Location: Brisbane, Nthsider

I done pretty much all the things you have said there frank. only thing i will try now is removing the lower wisharm bolts to check there condition and then re assemble it nice and tight with a rattle gun if i can get a hold of one.

Joined: 18 Nov 2002 Location: Sydney

Did u fix this dude?
mine does the same thing...reversing off a driveway or turning up from the left it makes a loud metal on metal noise.

Joined: 24 Oct 2002 Location: Brisbane, Nthsider

Nah. Thought i did for a couple of days, i got under the car and tightened the bolt up like they said which stopped it briefly but its come back again. I thinking about pulling the bolt out and replacing it but its a big job cause you have to remove the torsion bars and their attachment thingys. might also try temporarily to wind off the nut and pump it full of grease or wd40. I'll let you know of any improvements.

Joined: 23 Sep 2003

Redrocket,
I had the same happen on my 92 NH it turned out to be the bushings on the front sway bar had worn, replaced them with new neo ones and all went quiet, worth a look to see what condition yours are in .

Joined: 25 Sep 2003 Location: "Shit"ney

I replaced the bushes at the rear chassis trailing arm and that seemed to fix the problem for a while. Over time the noise has come back again. Looking at the chassis mount it appears all the movement has elongated the hole. When the rear trailing arm is under tension (especially when offroad) the bar gives a real nice "crack". Have spent many a weekend trying to locate this sound but keep coming back to the mount. The sound travels up the chassis rails and is hard to pinpoint even from outside the vehicle.

Thinking of maybe changing the system. Exclamation