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Need Help Identifying Problem ...

mints33

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mints33 Enthusiast

mints33

Posted
Posted

here's the issue ... every time I go over a bump, either big or small, I hear a clunk coming from the suspension. Larger the bump, louder the clunk, sounds like something is bottoming out, metal to metal contact. All four shocks have been replaced. Could it be the leaf springs hitting the bumper stops in the rear? Seems like it's coming from the front end and rear. I don't have very much experience w/ all this stuff, so bare w/ me. Thanks all!

alaska511 Senior Enthusiast

alaska511

Posted
Posted

I had this issue on my '98. the liefs in the rear spring pack were "slapping" on each other

 

I got some UHMW disks from the spring shop and epoxied them on the ends of the spring leifs, and it stopped

Zembonez Senior Enthusiast

Zembonez

Posted
Posted

Is this coming from your 97 2WD? What you describe sounds like suspension bottoming out.

 

If you look under the truck, you can tell if the bump stops are hitting. They will leave marks or clean spots on the metal opposite them. If there are clean spots where they bottom out, you might have weakened springs over the years. One possible "fix" might be high pressure gas shocks. They absorb bumps much better than standard shocks and aren't terribly expensive.

compulynx Enthusiast

compulynx

Posted
Posted

One other thought. If you have step bars, be sure the mounts under the cab are not too close to the frame. They will do that also if there is not enough clearance.

 

Don't ask me how I know.... :jester:

 

C

mints33 Enthusiast

mints33

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Is this coming from your 97 2WD? What you describe sounds like suspension bottoming out.

 

If you look under the truck, you can tell if the bump stops are hitting. They will leave marks or clean spots on the metal opposite them. If there are clean spots where they bottom out, you might have weakened springs over the years. One possible "fix" might be high pressure gas shocks. They absorb bumps much better than standard shocks and aren't terribly expensive.

 

Yeah, it's coming from the 97, but it's a 4x4, guess I should change it to k1500 in my profile. :jester: Anyhow, I'm sure the springs are probably dead, considering the previous owner towed some serious $*** w/ it. But there's no serious sagging, the rear sits 1/2 or less lower than the front. Can the springs be rebent? Do they tend to last very long afterwards? I've got the bilstein HD shocks on all 4 corners, but they're not really helping.

mints33 Enthusiast

mints33

Posted
  • Author
Posted
One other thought. If you have step bars, be sure the mounts under the cab are not too close to the frame. They will do that also if there is not enough clearance.

 

Don't ask me how I know.... :jester:

 

C

 

 

I don't believe they are, but I'll check them out tomorrow.

danstheman Enthusiast

danstheman

Posted
Posted
here's the issue ... every time I go over a bump, either big or small, I hear a clunk coming from the suspension. Larger the bump, louder the clunk, sounds like something is bottoming out, metal to metal contact. All four shocks have been replaced. Could it be the leaf springs hitting the bumper stops in the rear? Seems like it's coming from the front end and rear. I don't have very much experience w/ all this stuff, so bare w/ me. Thanks all!

Hey Optimus,

don't know what vehicle your are referring to but I have a friend who has an '04 Suburban 1500 and we checked the front end for a similar thumping sound and after looking at it we figured it was coming from the steering column. Supposedly there is a kit available which contains a replacement shaft. It is my understanding that one shaft goes inside another and the interior one wears and when a bump is hit the sound is magnified because it is hitting metal to metal. I am know certified mechanic, but you might look into it. I understand the kit is available from Napa Auto Parts for under $100 and a mechanic advised me it is easy to install under the steering column on the interior of the vehicle.

asilverblazer Senior Enthusiast

asilverblazer

Posted
Posted
I had this issue on my '98. the liefs in the rear spring pack were "slapping" on each other

 

I got some UHMW disks from the spring shop and epoxied them on the ends of the spring leifs, and it stopped

 

This gets my vote.

2000DV4.8 Senior Enthusiast

2000DV4.8

Posted
Posted
I had this issue on my '98. the liefs in the rear spring pack were "slapping" on each other

 

I got some UHMW disks from the spring shop and epoxied them on the ends of the spring leifs, and it stopped

 

This gets my vote.

 

 

Same here. My old leaf springs made the same 'slapping' noise.

95Sierra2500 Senior Enthusiast

95Sierra2500

Posted
Posted

Yeah, leaf springs will do that if the stock pads wear out/fall out (which happens over time). It's rather simple to get new ones in, too.

 

It used to be possible to re-arch leaf springs. I don't know if it's advised anymore - it's relatively inexpensive to just purchase new ones these days.

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