turboAWD
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I don't even know how to really describe this one. It feels like it's been getting worse. And it's really annoying. It sounds like something is getting flexed and back and flexed and back and making a noise every time. I can often reproduce it when quickly turning the wheel back and forth - it sounds like a pop - almost like a muffled electric stapler that they use in offices. Logically, I know it's probably coming from the wheel well area, but it sounds like it's coming from the driver's side, basically lined up with the front of the seat, but a little underneath.
I have to re-grease my sways (Whiteline, have them for 3+ years already), but that's not the sound - I can tell they're rubbing a little when going over bumps and kind of groaning.
The crazy thing is, under the right conditions - which can even be driving straight at steady speed on a smooth, level road (I know, all roads are imperfect, but no obvious potholes or ruts), it can happen 3-5 times in 1-2 seconds. And then, when dodging something and turning the wheel back and forth under power, it doesn't happen. Or going over a speed bump, where you think it would always happen - usually nothing.
I don't think it's brake related - I've tried lightly applying the brakes and it doesn't change whether or not it happens. The other side does it a little at times, but I hear the driver's side more (obviously).
Also doesn't seem throttle related, although under WOT I might not hear it and I have to pay attention to the road under WOT so I don't know for sure. I notice it more at city speeds (20-40 mph) when coasting at steady throttle.
Things I have considered:
-lower side body trim needs to be pushed back into place? I know this was a thing some people mentioned way back in the early days - this is kind of my #1 to check. I THINK I had this issue way back and maybe it just needs to be fixed again? Or maybe this trim just wears out over time and the car becomes more noisy?
-shock top hats worn out? Seems early (4 years, 27K, but I've been to the track, etc - pushed it pretty hard). Doesn't seem like this would rattle at steady (suspension) state, though? It most often happens on a level road, not going over bumps
-what's the most likely culprit to check at the hub - ball joint? How? Jacked up or not? Have someone turn wheel while on ground and listen? Up in the air (unloaded) seems like it might not show the issue?
-The bolts that hold the body together (where the ATQ collars go) loosening a little / stuff they're holding has compressed a little, and they need tightening? I don't have ATQ collars, but wondering if those bolts can be a problem - the ATQ collars description suggests the OEM bolts alone allow a fair amount of body slop?
I know I need to go and check the trim. It's just been hot (close to 95+ most days), I've had some physical issues, etc.. Just kind of brainstorming and trying to get a plan of attack together for when I get time.
And hoping that maybe a light goes on in someone's head and they are able to say: "sounds like this - check here"..
I have to re-grease my sways (Whiteline, have them for 3+ years already), but that's not the sound - I can tell they're rubbing a little when going over bumps and kind of groaning.
The crazy thing is, under the right conditions - which can even be driving straight at steady speed on a smooth, level road (I know, all roads are imperfect, but no obvious potholes or ruts), it can happen 3-5 times in 1-2 seconds. And then, when dodging something and turning the wheel back and forth under power, it doesn't happen. Or going over a speed bump, where you think it would always happen - usually nothing.
I don't think it's brake related - I've tried lightly applying the brakes and it doesn't change whether or not it happens. The other side does it a little at times, but I hear the driver's side more (obviously).
Also doesn't seem throttle related, although under WOT I might not hear it and I have to pay attention to the road under WOT so I don't know for sure. I notice it more at city speeds (20-40 mph) when coasting at steady throttle.
Things I have considered:
-lower side body trim needs to be pushed back into place? I know this was a thing some people mentioned way back in the early days - this is kind of my #1 to check. I THINK I had this issue way back and maybe it just needs to be fixed again? Or maybe this trim just wears out over time and the car becomes more noisy?
-shock top hats worn out? Seems early (4 years, 27K, but I've been to the track, etc - pushed it pretty hard). Doesn't seem like this would rattle at steady (suspension) state, though? It most often happens on a level road, not going over bumps
-what's the most likely culprit to check at the hub - ball joint? How? Jacked up or not? Have someone turn wheel while on ground and listen? Up in the air (unloaded) seems like it might not show the issue?
-The bolts that hold the body together (where the ATQ collars go) loosening a little / stuff they're holding has compressed a little, and they need tightening? I don't have ATQ collars, but wondering if those bolts can be a problem - the ATQ collars description suggests the OEM bolts alone allow a fair amount of body slop?
I know I need to go and check the trim. It's just been hot (close to 95+ most days), I've had some physical issues, etc.. Just kind of brainstorming and trying to get a plan of attack together for when I get time.
And hoping that maybe a light goes on in someone's head and they are able to say: "sounds like this - check here"..
