Adjustable Control Arm Noise (SPC Control Arms)

[A4orce84]

Hey Everyone,

So, a few months ago I noticed my front tires has some inner tire wear (scrubbing) due to my camber and toe being all over the place. I got new tires last week, and had a shop install some SPC adjustable Control Arms and get me a proper alignment. Control Arms Linked below:

Link:
http://tinyurl.com/nnmr95k

Everything felt great, steering and alignment wise (along with the new tires). I noticed some slight rubbing / clunking type noises. The noise does not occur 100% of the time, but more on dips and expansion joints on the highway. The shop said they tightened everything up, but did not find any problems or issues.

I took a few videos to capture the sound I've been hearing:
Videos:
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtwdB9RdEzs
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ga9S7gI8EVc
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvkQVfarUY8

Finally, it seems that this has been reported before (Yes, I search!) that adjustible control arms can be noisy.
Thread Examples:
1. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/586482-034-Adjustable-Upper-Control-arm-noise
2. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/419721-Adj-Upper-Control-Arms-Do-I-Need-This
3. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/581978-Adjustable-Upper-Control-Arms

Looking to see if anyone can offer some advice. Obviously, I want things to be "OEM quiet" when it comes to suspension components, and not have it sound like my tire is about to fly-off. Any help and input would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks,
Asif

[FraggyA4]

I don't think that's the upper control arms. It's really hard to hear though. I would check wheel bearings and lower control arms.

[A4orce84]

The noise did not exist until AFTER the new control arms were installed. I did plenty of highway driving before the new arms were installed, and did not hear any clunking type sounds that I do now.

Also, if it was wheel bearings...I would expect it to be more consistent and not just happen randomly on a straight road.

Thanks,
Asif

[FraggyA4]

The noise did not exist until AFTER the new control arms were installed. I did plenty of highway driving before the new arms were installed, and did not hear any clunking type sounds that I do now.

Also, if it was wheel bearings...I would expect it to be more consistent and not just happen randomly on a straight road.

Thanks,
Asif

That's the problem with only replacing one thing. It usually leads to failure of the next weakest link. Also check the brake caliper bolts and see if they are loose.

[audimeister]

SPC/Moog control arms require grinding of the upper strut mount for clearance under compression.

Don't drive like that too long. It could cause some pretty serious damage.

[FraggyA4]

SPC/Moog control arms require grinding of the upper strut mount for clearance under compression.

Don't drive like that too long. It could cause some pretty serious damage.

Yes this, the control arms even come with directions on where to cut them.

[A4orce84]

I no longer have the instructions, is there a .pdf version or anything online?

The funny thing is, it only appears to be occurring on the passenger side. From what I can tell, the driver's side is quiet.

[FraggyA4]

I no longer have the instructions, is there a .pdf version or anything online?

The funny thing is, it only appears to be occurring on the passenger side. From what I can tell, the driver's side is quiet.


https://youtu.be/HXG2BcVceAg

[Copen-cisco]

I dont have any problems with mine and installed the Moog a couple of months ago - this is the first time I hear about grinding the strut mount. I guess I should take a look at it

[A4orce84]

Hey Everyone,

A friend helped me out and we checked if there were any type of wear marks, due to a clearance issue and/or evidence of metal on metal contact......unfortunately we did not see any signs of unusual wear / rubbing of the control arms or other obvious suspension components.

Any other ideas on what the sound could be related to?

Thanks,
Asif

[Copen-cisco]

Hey Everyone,

A friend helped me out and we checked if there were any type of wear marks, due to a clearance issue and/or evidence of metal on metal contact......unfortunately we did not see any signs of unusual wear / rubbing of the control arms or other obvious suspension components.

Any other ideas on what the sound could be related to?

Thanks,
Asif

Funny. I just checked mine as well. No contact between UPC and strut mount.

[A4orce84]

bump