Need Help Identifying Problem ...

[mints33]

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]

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]

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]

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....

 

C

[mints33]

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. 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]

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....

 

C

 

 

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

[danstheman]

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]

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]

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]

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.