Front Coil Spring Noise?

[tomfg]

On my 64, 1/2 ton, When going slow, over bumps, or while sometimes cornering, I hear a "clunk". It sounds like it may be coming from
the left front suspension coil spring, but I'm not 100% sure.
The front end is all tight, with new ball joints and tie rods,
and recently had a front end alignment.

Are these trucks known for noisy springs, or should
I be looking for something wrong?
The front of the truck sits level, so It's I shouldn't have
a broken spring, although I did replace the back springs
as one of those were cracked.

Any ideas? Thanks.

[1963c-10]

Are all the rubber bump stops in place? Theres a set on the front a-arms....not sure what could be causing it.

[Rich 5150 69]

Double check your U-bolts for your lower a-arms and or when you reasembled the springs are they rotated so that the spring is locked down in the spring pocket ( end of spring ) ..

[tomfg]

Thanks for the replies. Don't think the rubber stops
are an issue, as it can be small bumps or a corner
that makes the "clunk".
I'll look again and see if I can tell if the bottom
ends of the springs are seated. Thanks!

[SFTorange]

I noticed this same thing when I got my truck back together. I checked everything out, and it all seemed ok. After a few hundred miles, the noise stopped. I assume that the noise was just the springs getting settled into the pockets, but I'm not sure. It's hard to get the front springs lined up perfectly, and I think they have to fall into place after a few miles.

[Metalaroundstone]

I am having the same clunking sounds on my front end after replacing the lower control arm on the drivers side. I think it is the spring, but it looks installed correctly to me. Has anyone discovered the cause of this problem yet and what to do to correct it. Mine was okay at first and seems to be getting worse with time. I have checked the tightness on all the nuts and bolts.

R

[luvbowties]

Originally Posted by tomfg

On my 64, 1/2 ton, When going slow, over bumps, or while sometimes cornering, I hear a "clunk". It sounds like it may be coming from
the left front suspension coil spring, but I'm not 100% sure.
The front end is all tight, with new ball joints and tie rods,
and recently had a front end alignment.

Are these trucks known for noisy springs, or should
I be looking for something wrong?
The front of the truck sits level, so It's I shouldn't have
a broken spring, although I did replace the back springs
as one of those were cracked.

Any ideas? Thanks.

Check the uppershock mounting, where it bolts to frame--they 'hide' their looseness, making you think they are tight. But when inadequately tightened they deliver a distinct, irritable, metal-to-metal 'clunk'. Use extra muscle/leverage to sufficiently get this bolt-to-frame mount tight.
When driving, it makes a person almost brace himself, hoping it 'won't do it this time'.
HTH,
sam

[cb1965]

This happened to me recently. I had the same issue, when i would pull in to the driveway or go over bumps i would hear a "Clunk". I had recently had my truck aligned and i turned out that the guy either didn't tighten the upper control arm after inserting shims or the nuts worked themselves lose. My passanger side upper arm had no shims left and the arm was rocking in and out. Took it back and had it re-aligned and the noise went away. just make sure everything is nice and tight. goodluck.

[wizard3354]

I recently replaced my front springs and had the same type of noise. After a little investigation, I discovered that the springs themselves were rubbing on the top. After a little adjustment, I haven't had any issues with them. Hope that helps.

[ChiefRocka]

Yep, springs are not centered/seated properly.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Metalaroundstone]

After taking the spring out and re-adjusting it, I am still getting the clunking noise that seems to be comming from where the bottom of the spring rests in the lower control arm. Everything appears to be properly adjusted and all the nuts and bolts are tight. Is there any way to adjust the spring again without detatching the lower ball joint stud, which is a real pain?

I have noticed that there is some play in the upper control arm bushings. Maybe that is causing the problem. However, there was no noise before I replaced the lower control arm with one I got from a junk yard.

R.

1966 chevy c10 longbed

[luvbowties]

Originally Posted by Metalaroundstone

After taking the spring out and re-adjusting it, I am still getting the clunking noise that seems to be comming from where the bottom of the spring rests in the lower control arm. Everything appears to be properly adjusted and all the nuts and bolts are tight. Is there any way to adjust the spring again without detatching the lower ball joint stud, which is a real pain?

I have noticed that there is some play in the upper control arm bushings. Maybe that is causing the problem. However, there was no noise before I replaced the lower control arm with one I got from a junk yard.

R.

1966 chevy c10 longbed

If you do adjust it, simply twist it clockwise until the bottom "end" hits the pocket-stop--that's where it is supposed to seat.

(I still would at least remove shock from its top mount, where you can rock the mount-bolt without load, and ensure there is no play AT ALL there. If just the hole is wallowed out, washers can take up the slack--otherwise the bolt bottoms out BEFORE it ever stops the movement and resulting clunk. Easy to do, and helps rule out easier possibilities first.)
s

[Metalaroundstone]

Thanks for the help my spring noise problem. I did take the spring out and readjust it, but was disappointed that the noise persisted. However, after a couple of days, the noise seems to have stopped. I guess the spring finally found its happy place. Sometimes it pays to procrastinate!
R.