Front lower damper mount - rubbing

[Andy4200]

Hi,
I was hoping I could pick some collective brains on this one please?
I have recently done a light re-furb on my 4200 suspension. Stripped/powder coated springs, new bushes etc.
Having re-assembled I've found an fairly loud, annoying creaking from the front suspension.

Having checked it isn't the new anti-roll bar bushes as it still makes the noise with the bar disconnected.
On further investigation it appears that the bottom of the dampers are making contact with the bottom of the 'pocket' they sit within in the lower arm.
The dampers have new bushes fitted, they are the Superformance solid rubber type rather than the original spherical type. They are the correct bushes listed for the Maserati.

I noticed that AV engineering recommend this type for fitting to Ferrari's (according to Aldous's website) so I thought they should be fine.
They don't appear to be deforming or anything, it just appears there isn't enough clearance.


Any thoughts?

 

[Andy4200]

Just in case anyone is interested, having taken the dampers back out I could see the inner of the bush was no longer concentric with the outer. In fact some of the rubber had started to peel away from the metal sleeve.

I've now gone back to the standard 'spherical' type bush. I bought the Ferrari part as it was nearly half the price of the Maserati ones. Same part number, same fitment.

 

[mowlas]

Interesting. Has that now solved the problem with the creaking noise? Does it appear the rubbing has stopped? By the sounds of it, the Ferrari part had too much give but I’m surprised by the fine tolerances with the lower arm?

 

[Andy4200]

Well I haven't yet reassembled but the creaking was the bottom of the damper contacting the 'pocket' it sits in on the lower suspension arm. I could see the marks on the damper and arm where it was contacting.
The extra flex was obviously enough to allow the contact.
Fingers crossed for these latest bushes.

Also I meant these latest spherical bushes are the Ferrari part number.

 

[mowlas]

Thanks - my misunderstanding. Really hope the Ferrari part works out!

 

[Zep]

Pleased you seem to have found the issue. Having done what you are doing before, the tolerances are pretty tight so any sag in the replacement parts will be an issue.