Suspension noise

Alfaholic

Alfaholic

Junior Member
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My 4200 Coupe recently started to make some creaking noises from the rear after about 10 minutes of driving. There's also potentially a slight intermittent knock, most noticable during acceleration and deceleration. With an MOT due in less than a month I'm thinking it might be time for a full suspension refresh.

My plan is to send the parts to VPS in Slovenia. Has anyone used this service, and if so, what was the overall experience like? Was there a long wait to have this done? Also, how easy is removal of the arms from the car. I'm pretty handy with the spanners but don't have a lift to work on.

I may also swap out the tired Skyhook system for coilovers at the same time, with the added bonus of setting a ride height that doesn't look like the car is on stilts. I'd appreciate recommendations at a range of price points.

Thanks in advance guys.
 
That’s certainly a comprehensive plan….
It’s a lot , given the cars are worth barely twice what it’ll cost you…(at least @£6K I’d guess)
I’d want to be sure it isn’t a £50 drop link first…!!:D
 
TimR said:
That’s certainly a comprehensive plan….
It’s a lot , given the cars are worth barely twice what it’ll cost you…(at least @£6K I’d guess)
I’d want to be sure it isn’t a £50 drop link first…!!:D
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I think the price will depend a lot on the choice of coilovers. I've seen sets as low as £995.

The car is booked for a pre=mot check on the 30th. I guess that's going to guide my next step.
 
Alfaholic said:
My 4200 Coupe recently started to make some creaking noises from the rear after about 10 minutes of driving. There's also potentially a slight intermittent knock, most noticable during acceleration and deceleration. With an MOT due in less than a month I'm thinking it might be time for a full suspension refresh.

My plan is to send the parts to VPS in Slovenia. Has anyone used this service, and if so, what was the overall experience like? Was there a long wait to have this done? Also, how easy is removal of the arms from the car. I'm pretty handy with the spanners but don't have a lift to work on.

I may also swap out the tired Skyhook system for coilovers at the same time, with the added bonus of setting a ride height that doesn't look like the car is on stilts. I'd appreciate recommendations at a range of price points.

Thanks in advance guys.
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If I were you I’d do either front or rear then the other the next time / year
Removing the upper arms on the rear end requires dropping the subframe slightly, not as bad as it sounds.
There will likely be the odd seized bolts in the arm bushes (flanblocs) so the bolt will need cutting out, a pain if the subframe is in the car.
I had an annoying squeak on my GS which was cured by cleaning / lubricating the top shock mount/bush plus lower shock bush as part of having the rear shocks overhauled.
Just be prepared for all brake pipes you touch to need replaced and everything seized / rusted together.
please update when you start the project
 
Oneball said:
Put it in for an MOT £50 is cheap for someone to tell you what is worn.
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If they notice…
I’ve had it where “non issues” get flagged in BOLD capitals ( testers discretion) whilst actual problems appear to go unnoticed…( fubar BJ..,)
A pre MOT is a good plan. Especially if you know the tech, who knows the cars at all….IMO
 
Thanks for all the replies guys. My pre MOT was cancelled due to the local test garage being affected by a cordon around an unexploded WW2 bomb uncovered in Plymouth. So as I type this the car is having its full MOT test.

Obviously I'm expecting a fail but maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised. I know it needs tyres soon but should be okay for the test.

Been having some weird hazard light behaviour. They work perfectly with the ignition off but go at double speed with it on. I'm suspecting something to do with the buck converter I used for center console illumination.

Then there's the handbrake....

Fun times
 
Update! The car passed with just advisories on the tyres. Then on the drive home the airbag light came on. I guess at least it waited long enough.

I'm still planning to replace at least the rear drop links and probably also the rose joints on the studs that run through the lower rear hubs.
 
Alfaholic said:
Update! The car passed with just advisories on the tyres. Then on the drive home the airbag light came on. I guess at least it waited long enough.

I'm still planning to replace at least the rear drop links and probably also the rose joints on the studs that run through the lower rear hubs.
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All pretty straight forward stuff….
Think you may need SD2/3 to eliminate the airbag light…which prob means a dealer/indy.?
 
Is the car quite new to you? Suggest you drive it for a few weeks or months and get a full picture of what improvements you want.

Niggles like warning lights ( airbag ) come and go but most of mine went away with regular use. Handbrake is a simple mechanical affair, but a PITA if it doesn't work and MOT fail. If you need parts after a shoe delaminating event the parts will be hundreds alone.

The suspension work will revitalise the handling, but as mentioned is never cheap. The rebuilt arms are only part of the story. New bolts almost certainly needed. Might as well add drop links, sounds like you fancy coilovers too . Your car could be on stands for months. Consider the "while you are in there" tax as well. Does the Coupe need subframe corrosion repairs like my QPV?
 
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