My driver side sits about 1/2" lower than the passenger side and it creaks like hell when its cold. The rears are fine and don't creak over bumps. I believe the shocks are going out in the front and was wondering what a good OEM type replacement is. I have the track model 2006. Not looking the lower the car at all, and I daily drive it with occasional spirited driving.

 

Blown shocks will not cause ride height to change.

Have you checked the front end links?

 

I have not. I had some "clunking" when reversing and going forward (could hear it really good if a wall was against me) and I found out my lower control arms were shot. Replaced both sides and it went away. Last week the sound came back but the control arms are fine. Could it be the end links making a clunk sound too?

 

You may also have a worn out or failed spring.
I know the ones in my wagon are EOL, and are noticeably sagging.

 

What was wrong with your LCAs? Is it creaking or clunking (they are different)?

 

It was clunking. These were the old ones obviously. I'm getting creaking and clunking now even with new lcas.

 

I guess I can do all shocks springs and end links I just don't need the "unnecessary" versions you know? Just something that's close to oem. But not the cheap China type.

 

What bushings did you use to replace?

Could be the new bushing creaking or popping.

End links tend to make more of a creaking noise, and they very well could be bad...a very common maintenance item on this platform.

 

I bought whole new control arms. I didn't want to mess with a press and all that. The new arms came with the bushings installed. I believe they were doorman? I got them from autozone for about $75 each.

 

The stock bushing are less likely to creak/pop actually...its the aftermarket ones that increase the contact area on the face of the subframe flange.

You'd have to describe the sound more or post a video to be more certain. It wasn't creaking before the replacement?

 

I'm going to video the clunking for you and post here so check back in a few. I'll try and get the creaking but its a little warm in dfw today unfortunately lol.

 

do you have a jack and stands to get it up in the air to look at things?

 

Ok here's the video. You'll notice the clunk sound right before the wheel stops. The creaking happens when its cold outside and if I'm going over a bump, or some sort of smooth ramp. It also happens if the cars cold and I turn the wheel back and forth causing the weight of the car to shift.

And yes I have jacks I'm about to change the oil so I'll take a good look around there for anything out of the ordinary.

 

Compression arm bushing , the LCA being blown probably took it out.

 

I hear a couple of clunks, but they are hard to discern in between the sound of you shifting into 1st/reverse. Or is that the noise?

 

+1 on this.

Tension/Compression arm helps to locate the LCA and helps to keep the front end from diving under braking as well as controlling caster angle.

On the old S30s, this was a very common part to replace for performance (the old Interpart "T/C Kits" - tension/compression - with Delrin bushings worked wonders). Same with Z33 (but a more elaborate design with secondary ball joint rather than the old LCA-end solid mounting.)

"Fix-it kit" costs like $60.... like this: http://www.z1motorsports.com/350_g35...oducts_id=5797

But something else to look at before throwing parts at it.... Check the upper shock/spring mounts for deterioration and play. They can make that sound when the rubber isolator is trashed or worn.

Edit: load and unload the shock assembly with a jack under the LCA and listen at the top and/or when suspension is in full droop, turn the steering wheel back and forth and pay attention to what the upper spring mount is doing. IOW, try to replicate the condition while up in the air and listen for the sound.

Good luck.

 

You're just going to have to get under there to know for sure.

 

Thqnks guys. I'm going to replace the compression bushings first and I'll report back.

Edit: also, ride height? I Still have the creaking and embarrassing sound when I go over things like speed bumps. Sounds like when you walk through a wooden old hallway. Goes away as the car warms up.