New Tri Link still a slight knock here and there

[Whelan]

I replaced the tri link and the rear ha quieted down significantly. However at random times and only occasional bumps it will still give a slight clunk or almost pop sound. I’m wondering if overtightened or did not tighten things enough. The ends were done to 100 ft. lbs. which I read should be 75? The collar bolt was about the same.

So I’m kinda lost and wondering if doing the lower control arms will help? I have them just have not installed yet. Or should I have greased somewhere.

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[tommudd]

Could be as simple as a slightly loose shock / weak shock, how are the lower control arms ? They can be bad as well .
On one I chased down to the e-brake cable bouncing around at times causing a rattle like noise

 

[Whelan]

Shocks and springs were replaced last year. The lower control arms are the only thing left really. Given that all else was done I may just throw these on and see what happens. Going to do it when I do the brakes this week.

I recheck the torque on the shocks as well

 

[RenKJ]

loose upper shock bolt can sound like someone tapping or smacking on rear door frame when going over bumps

 

[tommudd]

Shocks and springs were replaced last year. The lower control arms are the only thing left really. Given that all else was done I may just throw these on and see what happens. Going to do it when I do the brakes this week.

I recheck the torque on the shocks as well

Because they were replaced does not rule out shocks at all.
What shocks did you use by the way?

 

[Whelan]

KYB Excel-G Gas Shock.

 

[tommudd]

KYB Excel-G Gas Shock.

Are they stock KJ rear shocks ?

 

[Whelan]

No idea what OEM were. I replaced the old with these.

 

[tommudd]

No idea what OEM were. I replaced the old with these.

What I meant are the shocks you bought the right part number for a KJ ? Some , say like we use on a lifted KJ are for another model of vehicle so the upper mount needs a bushing to fit correctly

 

[Whelan]

What I meant are the shocks you bought the right part number for a KJ ? Some , say like we use on a lifted KJ are for another model of vehicle so the upper mount needs a bushing to fit correctly

Understood. Yes it was the right part # cross checked a few places to be sure. I rocked the car back and forth yesterday and I can hear it coming from the connection point of the tri-link to the differential. My only guess is the bolt is not tight enough or I need to grease where they connect?

 

[tommudd]

Understood. Yes it was the right part # cross checked a few places to be sure. I rocked the car back and forth yesterday and I can hear it coming from the connection point of the tri-link to the differential. My only guess is the bolt is not tight enough or I need to grease where they connect?

no grease needed, loosen and retighten

 

[Whelan]

Retightened, noise still present. See video of me rocking and getting that same creaking clunk as the old one had. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Azg_k_y7RMk

 

[Aceofspades]

Is the exhaust hitting anything? Maybe it’s not tri link but something else loose

I had an awlful creak with the slightest movement. Just getting in and out it would creak. Turns out to be the e brake cables rubbing on the holders on the tri link. Rubber sleeve stopped that. Found that out today while working on it. Just food for thought

 

[Myke]

Can you take another video but further away so we can see more of the suspension components. If the sound is coming from the tri-link you should be able to feel the noise by holding on the link when someone rocks it. If it is the tri-link it can only be the bushings are shot, the balljoint is shot, or the balljoint mount is shot.

 

[jeeptorino68]

Are you tighteneing to the proper torque spec, or just tightening it? It might need more than you think. Always use factory torque specs on suspension

 

[Whelan]

Found the culprit. Removed the bolt and saw this. Unfortunately it is Sunday and stores are closed so tomorrow first thing I go bolt shopping.

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[Whelan]

Turns out my collar bracket is also oblonged from years of driving. Apparently they don’t have or make this part so now I have to finger cross for eBay for part 52128586AA. I’ve replaced the bolt, arm, all pieces except the actual collar and I still h e a knock when the differential is moved forward or back. It’s the preload that causes the nudge and knocking. Ugh

 

[Whelan]

To update, here is the best pic I had while looking at the collar.

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[duderz7]

I'm gonna have to look at mine, I've been chasing a knock myself. Thanks

 

[Damotee]

I'd try a few wreckers to see if they have one.