GC kit noise source

MaxL · 11-20-2011, 07:51 PM

I've got a definitive proof on what makes the most noise in my GC kit. There are two relatively lose metal things on the sway bar links, if I am not confusing what it is (see picture). On uneven pavement, especially when car bounces side to side, they make two kinds of noises - like coin drop on metal and like hammer on a metal rail. Very annoying. Should they be loose and is there anything simple I can do?

M3SQRD · 11-21-2011, 03:27 AM

No, the two bushings/lock washers should be clamped tightly (not sure what the torque call out is for the bolt) against the spherical bearing. If you torqued the bolt to the correct value, did you account for running torque (i.e., the amount of torque required to "close" the joint - no gap between lock washers and bearing)? The running torque should be added to the torque called out for the bolt.

I'd send a PM to JM3 - he should be able to help you.

MaxL · 11-21-2011, 11:49 AM

I did not do the install myself - it was done by a rather reputable shop based on written instructions from GC. I just got curious since about the noise and was able to locate the source. Would you suggest taking it back to the shop that did install (three hours of driving) or just torquing it myself (never done it before, but have the tools)

M3SQRD · 11-21-2011, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaxL

I did not do the install myself - it was done by a rather reputable shop based on written instructions from GC. I just got curious since about the noise and was able to locate the source. Would you suggest taking it back to the shop that did install (three hours of driving) or just torquing it myself (never done it before, but have the tools)

First, send a PM to JM3. I'm a little surprised to see lock washers sitting between the bushings and spherical bearing - I don't have this kit so I have no idea if that was installed correctly. Send the picture to JM3 and you'll get the answer(s) you're looking for! After you hear back from him, I'd torque and/or assembly things correctly myself, taking before and after pictures - at this point, decide if you want to say something to the shop.

M3DCTBT · 11-21-2011, 02:46 PM

that is installed ENTIRELY incorrectly. No wonder it makes noise.

Contact Jay at GC to show you the manner in which that is supposedly be put together.

MaxL · 11-21-2011, 04:29 PM

Emailed Jay (including pictures) and he told me to just tighten up the bolts about 1-1.5 turns. He said that the black things next to the things that make noise are helper springs to prevent that noise, but they are probably too short in my case. He did not mention incorrect install

Also here is a picture from JM3's thread on what can cause noise - seems that my install is exactly what he tells to do to fix thiss incorrect one:

M3SQRD · 11-21-2011, 04:36 PM

Well, he designed the kit so I'd listen to him! Try tightening the bolt 1.5 turns and see if things are fully compressed, or very close to it. If they are you should be good to go; if not, then you may need a shim of some kind or a longer helper spring to quite things down. Good luck!

quads · 11-21-2011, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaxL

Emailed Jay (including pictures) and he told me to just tighten up the bolts about 1-1.5 turns. He said that the black things next to the things that make noise are helper springs to prevent that noise, but they are probably too short in my case. He did not mention incorrect install

Also here is a picture from JM3's thread on what can cause noise - seems that my install is exactly what he tells to do to fix thiss incorrect one:

When you say those "black things" or "black washers" did you mean lock washers?

M3SQRD · 11-21-2011, 07:13 PM

They look like lock washers to me but Jay called them "helper springs"?

quads · 11-21-2011, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbarnes

They look like lock washers to me but Jay called them "helper springs"?

Thats just weird. Well I just checked mine and they were installed correctly. It's squeaking like crazy so I might just give them a whole turn and see if it helps.

MaxL · 11-21-2011, 07:34 PM

They are split washers, they just work like springs to keep things tight. Sorry, I used a wrong expression. In my case they are not pressed against the brass things, and the brass things make noise.

M3SQRD · 11-21-2011, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaxL

They are split washers, they just work like springs to keep things tight. Sorry, I used a wrong expression. In my case they are not pressed against the brass things, and the brass things make noise.

All good

Did you try turning the bolt (after rotating the bushing)? Did it close the gap? If not you may need to come up with a simple shim (flat washer) to but between each bushing and ends of bracket/rod end.

quads · 11-22-2011, 01:28 AM

I just cleaned and lubed those 4 ball joints (two on each side) and the creaking is GONE! I'm a happy guy now! I think the next time I have to do that I'm going to lube it real good and then plastidip it or put something over it so debris doesn't get in there.

M3SQRD · 11-22-2011, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4sevens.com

I just cleaned and lubed those 4 ball joints (two on each side) and the creaking is GONE! I'm a happy guy now! I think the next time I have to do that I'm going to lube it real good and then plastidip it or put something over it so debris doesn't get in there.

Glad to hear you solved your noise problem

MaxL · 11-22-2011, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4sevens.com

I just cleaned and lubed those 4 ball joints (two on each side) and the creaking is GONE! I'm a happy guy now! I think the next time I have to do that I'm going to lube it real good and then plastidip it or put something over it so debris doesn't get in there.

What grease do you recommend?

quads · 11-22-2011, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaxL

What grease do you recommend?

I used what I had on hand - shin su silicone lube i think

11-20-2011, 07:51 PM	#1
MaxL Captain 69 Rep 957 Posts Drives: E90 M3, Cayenne T, 991 GT3 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	GC kit noise source I've got a definitive proof on what makes the most noise in my GC kit. There are two relatively lose metal things on the sway bar links, if I am not confusing what it is (see picture). On uneven pavement, especially when car bounces side to side, they make two kinds of noises - like coin drop on metal and like hammer on a metal rail. Very annoying. Should they be loose and is there anything simple I can do? Attached Images Last edited by MaxL; 11-21-2011 at 02:46 PM..
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11-21-2011, 03:27 AM	#2
M3SQRD Major General 2164 Rep 5,548 Posts Drives: E92 M3,G20 330ix,F22 240iX,F82 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Mid-Atlantic iTrader: (11)	No, the two bushings/lock washers should be clamped tightly (not sure what the torque call out is for the bolt) against the spherical bearing. If you torqued the bolt to the correct value, did you account for running torque (i.e., the amount of torque required to "close" the joint - no gap between lock washers and bearing)? The running torque should be added to the torque called out for the bolt. I'd send a PM to JM3 - he should be able to help you.
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11-21-2011, 11:49 AM	#3
MaxL Captain 69 Rep 957 Posts Drives: E90 M3, Cayenne T, 991 GT3 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	I did not do the install myself - it was done by a rather reputable shop based on written instructions from GC. I just got curious since about the noise and was able to locate the source. Would you suggest taking it back to the shop that did install (three hours of driving) or just torquing it myself (never done it before, but have the tools)
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11-21-2011, 02:46 PM	#5
M3DCTBT First Lieutenant 34 Rep 372 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: May 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (2)	that is installed ENTIRELY incorrectly. No wonder it makes noise. Contact Jay at GC to show you the manner in which that is supposedly be put together.
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11-21-2011, 04:29 PM	#6
MaxL Captain 69 Rep 957 Posts Drives: E90 M3, Cayenne T, 991 GT3 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	Emailed Jay (including pictures) and he told me to just tighten up the bolts about 1-1.5 turns. He said that the black things next to the things that make noise are helper springs to prevent that noise, but they are probably too short in my case. He did not mention incorrect install Also here is a picture from JM3's thread on what can cause noise - seems that my install is exactly what he tells to do to fix thiss incorrect one:
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11-21-2011, 04:36 PM	#7
M3SQRD Major General 2164 Rep 5,548 Posts Drives: E92 M3,G20 330ix,F22 240iX,F82 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Mid-Atlantic iTrader: (11)	Well, he designed the kit so I'd listen to him! Try tightening the bolt 1.5 turns and see if things are fully compressed, or very close to it. If they are you should be good to go; if not, then you may need a shim of some kind or a longer helper spring to quite things down. Good luck!
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11-21-2011, 07:13 PM	#9
M3SQRD Major General 2164 Rep 5,548 Posts Drives: E92 M3,G20 330ix,F22 240iX,F82 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Mid-Atlantic iTrader: (11)	They look like lock washers to me but Jay called them "helper springs"?
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11-21-2011, 07:34 PM	#11
MaxL Captain 69 Rep 957 Posts Drives: E90 M3, Cayenne T, 991 GT3 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	They are split washers, they just work like springs to keep things tight. Sorry, I used a wrong expression. In my case they are not pressed against the brass things, and the brass things make noise.
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11-22-2011, 01:28 AM	#13
quads Lieutenant Colonel 70 Rep 1,672 Posts Drives: bac mono Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: racetrack iTrader: (3)	I just cleaned and lubed those 4 ball joints (two on each side) and the creaking is GONE! I'm a happy guy now! I think the next time I have to do that I'm going to lube it real good and then plastidip it or put something over it so debris doesn't get in there.
	Appreciate 0 Quote