Notices
Brakes & Suspension 350Z stoppers, coils, shocks/dampers

Still getting knock after Whiteline Bushing Install

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-15-2016 | 02:06 PM
  #1  
phelannz's Avatar
phelannz
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: New Zealand
Default Still getting knock after Whiteline Bushing Install

Was getting terrible knock during braking and turning (mainly right turns) that was proportional to the wheel rotation speed (rather than engine rev speed) and found the left side OEM front lower control arm bushing was obliterated (see image) So I got some whiteline ones put in.

Now, since I wasnt replacing with OEM bushings, my insurance doesn't cover me installing them myself - so I took it along to a local Tyre and Suspension specialist to get them installed and the alignment done to keep my underwriter happy. After the install there was a huge improvement in handling and the knocking sound was much reduced -but it was still definitely there- both when braking, and when turning right. F*%@!

Have a couple of ideas as to what the ongoing problem might be. They may have just not torqued the bolts quite up to spec when reinstalling the control arm, or they didn't get the right specifications for the wheel alignment. I was going to jack up the car and have a poke around to see if anything needed tightening - but the new bushings have lowered the ride height enough that I cant even fit my jack underneath the body anymore!

Can anyone comfirm that these alignment values are correct for my 2004 Base model? (The text on the their print out says "2014.0.2 : Nissan : Fairlady Z : Z33 Series" Is this a typo or have they possibly tuned it to the specs of the wrong model.
Attached Thumbnails Still getting knock after Whiteline Bushing Install-control-arm.jpg   Still getting knock after Whiteline Bushing Install-alignment.jpg  
Old 02-16-2016 | 08:00 AM
  #2  
RobPhoboS's Avatar
RobPhoboS
New Member
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 532
Likes: 67
From: UK
Default

A few things...firstly they should have inspected ALL bushings for you whilst working on the car.
If that one is knackered, it's plausible that more of them are.

When is the knocking happening, at slow parking maneuvering speeds (say up to 30mph), or at higher speeds ?
If it's low, I'd imagine it'll be the ever so typical compression arms that need replacing.
I doubt very very much it'll be a loose bolt/nut - why, because 350z
Old 02-16-2016 | 09:05 AM
  #3  
terrasmak's Avatar
terrasmak
Super Moderator
MY350Z.COM
Premier Member
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 28,805
Likes: 2,340
From: Sin City
Default

My bets, wheel bearing or tire. A balljoint or tie rod can also cause that
Old 02-16-2016 | 05:31 PM
  #4  
phelannz's Avatar
phelannz
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: New Zealand
Default

Originally Posted by RobPhoboS
A few things...firstly they should have inspected ALL bushings for you whilst working on the car.
If that one is knackered, it's plausible that more of them are.

When is the knocking happening, at slow parking maneuvering speeds (say up to 30mph), or at higher speeds ?
If it's low, I'd imagine it'll be the ever so typical compression arms that need replacing.
I doubt very very much it'll be a loose bolt/nut - why, because 350z
Definitely most clunky between 15-40mph https://youtu.be/05sB0K5k26c https://youtu.be/_lqdugulx3A
Here's a couple vids to explain. Sorry about the vertical video/ loud cicadas, it's summer here.

Last edited by phelannz; 02-16-2016 at 05:40 PM.
Old 02-17-2016 | 02:59 AM
  #5  
RobPhoboS's Avatar
RobPhoboS
New Member
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 532
Likes: 67
From: UK
Default

Good job on popping the videos up, it certainly helps.
As terrasmak said, it's worth checking the wheels for any bearing play, and since you can do that at home, worth a quick check.

It could still be the compression arm (banana arm/radius rod - the one that's curved heh) at the end which you cannot repair - the ball joint end.
The arm in this vid:

I've had it before whereby mechanics over here in the UK that specialise on the 350z couldn't say for sure that it was this part which was failing, and they see a lot of cars. So in the end I just bought the arms and replaced them anyway, and yup, it solved the issue. It can be tricky to diagnose some times.
Last thing you can try, as you are driving along slowly, try left foot drag braking just to confirm to see if the rattle stops (not emergency stop).
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
dbtt350z
Maintenance & Repair
2
11-29-2016 11:35 AM
Andrew350
Wheels & Tires
11
02-08-2016 02:22 PM
350zaddict
Engine & Drivetrain
8
01-29-2016 04:21 AM
Dallasmavs92
Brakes & Suspension
6
01-20-2016 12:41 AM



Quick Reply: Still getting knock after Whiteline Bushing Install



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 10:11 AM.