Front end *tinging* noise

[js593]

(I also posted this in the suspension forum to try and get some hits as well.)
Im not 100% sure how to describe this. But here we go.

I have a front end suspension issue. When im driving, it almost sounds like a tinging, its so random, and it only started doing it over winter. Im about to put the car on jackastands and see what could be causing it. Its a metal on metal sound that sounds as if its coming from a spring. Like i said though, its so random.

I know for a fact i have a ball joint that needs to be taken care of very shortly, and i just replaced my sway bar links, (but not the bushings).

Anyone experience anything like this, or maybe can give me some insight on where to look. IM jacking it up right away to check it out, and possibly take the day off tomorrow to get it looked at if i cant find out the problem.


Well, i jacked it up, and cant see anything visually wrong with it. Sway bar links are still in great condition, and the bushings seem fine. i took a very light tap on the spring just to see what it would have sounded like, and its the same noise i was hearing. i checked the suspension components, and cant see anything rubbing up on the spring/strut itself (but its really dirty... soooo..) Any pointers/something i should look at?

thanks

[RelentlessCB7]

Try and make sure it isnt something like the hub bolt retainer...i have had that prob on a sentra before. Annying as crap.

[MarcD]

Maybe you can elaborate on the noise and when it occurs? over bumps? etc

[visualpoet]

Is it possible that you are hearing the spring stressing? You might be getting a little ting because it's colder outside.

[js593]

Maybe you can elaborate on the noise and when it occurs? over bumps? etc

Its random, its the most random thing i ever seen. It even did it in the middle of the night... or after the car was sitting a couple hours...

Is it possible that you are hearing the spring stressing? You might be getting a little ting because it's colder outside.

I dont think so... we went from -30 to +1 in a few days, spring is really starting to show now.

One of the guys from H-T said it could be the plastic shim between the springs and the strut... what do you guys think about that? If so, im ordering a new set today.

[cb95spd]

check all your suspension parts, start replacing anything that is worn out.
by now everything needs to be replaced on the suspension.
our cars are getting old, plus it sounds sounds like you have to deal with extreme weather also.
good luck with everything

[js593]

check all your suspension parts, start replacing anything that is worn out.
by now everything needs to be replaced on the suspension.
our cars are getting old, plus it sounds sounds like you have to deal with extreme weather also.
good luck with everything

I'll start i guess by replacing these shims. It isnt easy to get everything for this car, as a matter of fact, its hard as all hell, considering everything suspension wise is brutal on the wallet. If i need to get new struts and springs, im lowering the bitch on TEIN's. As for balljoints and bushings... If i wanted to get all of them at once for a decent price, where can i get them online in a full set (boxed up ready to go, just need to install)?

Thanks.

[js593]

so i went to work, shoping for the "shims" and couldnt find them. All i found were the generic strut mounts, springs and struts. Are they talking about the urithane mount peice thats moulded to the mount itself? If not, what are they talking about?

[9threeEX]

This a cheap try --- if you live anywhere they use cinders on the roads for winter like they do here in OH, bits of cinder are getting stuck between the upper ends of the spring coils (stock progressive coils) . When the suspension compresses, you might be hearing the coils crushing the cinders (which is much harder than salt). Try jacking up your car and pressure washing the tops of the springs in the fenderwell.

I had the same sound (I think) in an older prelude and a 94 accord, and on my 93, once the springs were cleaned out, the sound never started again until I had driven on a fine gravel road or road covered with cinders. For the 93 accord the sound disappeared entirely when I changed springs. Hope this helps - I know random problems drive me nuts too.

[js593]

This a cheap try --- if you live anywhere they use cinders on the roads for winter like they do here in OH, bits of cinder are getting stuck between the upper ends of the spring coils (stock progressive coils) . When the suspension compresses, you might be hearing the coils crushing the cinders (which is much harder than salt). Try jacking up your car and pressure washing the tops of the springs in the fenderwell.

I had the same sound (I think) in an older prelude and a 94 accord, and on my 93, once the springs were cleaned out, the sound never started again until I had driven on a fine gravel road or road covered with cinders. For the 93 accord the sound disappeared entirely when I changed springs. Hope this helps - I know random problems drive me nuts too.

You know its funny that you mention that. right now its +2 and they are starting city clean up - lots of sand and salt out there right now. i washed it a few days ago, and hasnt done it since, Time will tell i guess. IM going to however remove the struts and give them new mounts, they are starting to make some noise (aside from the ball joints) and i think its time they get done (all the struts are fine, springs are good from what i can see as well, i might just get them cleaned up at most) new upper and lower ball joints are also neccessary right now on my car. Once everything is done, im going to feel alot better.