1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Weird suspension sound/feel/problem.

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Old 05-10-09, 01:52 PM
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Weird suspension sound/feel/problem.

I've noticed that whenever I hit a dip, or go over a speed bump at anything other than a crawl, the rear end of the car does something very strange. Whenever the weight transfers back to the rear, I hear this large "bump" sort of sound. It sort of sounds like the hatch pounding back onto its frame, but its latched fine. I think the shocks are in need of replacing, so could it be bottoming out on the spring perches or something? Makes me cringe every time I hear it, this large nasty shunt like sound.

I'm thinking about just getting some regular, non-adjustable tokiko's to replace them with.
Old 05-10-09, 03:03 PM
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You could be hitting the stops, yeah. Try bouncing the rear by hand, see if it feels controlled or not.

Could also be a suspension bushing that's split and has let go.
Old 05-10-09, 03:18 PM
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i would say bump stops too
Old 05-10-09, 03:34 PM
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Check the control arms too. You may have a mount that's rusted out.
Old 05-10-09, 03:44 PM
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Looked underneath. Control arms and mounts look fine, nothing but a small amount of surface rust. Bushings look reasonable all around. Didn't see any that were crumbling. If I push the car up and down with my hands, it kind of wobbles for a bit. Guess I just need new shocks.

Do our cars have upper control arms too? Or is it just the watts and two lowers.
Old 05-10-09, 07:05 PM
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We just have the watts link, the two arms on each side, shocks, and springs in the rear.
Old 05-10-09, 10:45 PM
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here's a bad pic of mine.
Attached Thumbnails Weird suspension sound/feel/problem.-dscn0437.jpg  
Old 05-13-09, 01:58 PM
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If you wanna verify it's your bump stops hitting, masking-tape a couple small pieces of chalk to the top of the spring perch. If it hits, the chalk will shatter and leave a mark, but not hurt anything.
Old 05-13-09, 03:23 PM
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Originally Posted by DivinDriver
If you wanna verify it's your bump stops hitting, masking-tape a couple small pieces of chalk to the top of the spring perch. If it hits, the chalk will shatter and leave a mark, but not hurt anything.
Thanks for the tip, I'll try that.
Old 05-13-09, 04:52 PM
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Definitely sounds like your dampers are toast. Now's the time to put in some Illuminas.
Old 05-14-09, 05:10 PM
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Originally Posted by orion84gsl
Definitely sounds like your dampers are toast. Now's the time to put in some Illuminas.
I'm not sure if I want adjustable shocks though, seems like too much of a headache. I was thinking some regular tokikos.
Old 05-14-09, 05:35 PM
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... why is it too much of a headache? install is the same, and switching it is extremely easy! fork out the extra money and get them for the rear at least. the fronts you could use the blues, i leave mine at 5 on the front always... and change the rears around.
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