Bushing Timing? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

azrickster · 01-05-2015, 04:28 PM

I installed the following Hotchkis Suspension components on my 2010 Camaro last summer:
Chassis strut tower brace (PN20109)
Lowering springs (PN19110)
Competition sway bars with adjustable end links(PN 22110).
As part of the install, we also changed out the old OEM strut mount with the newer style OEM mount with the beige colored insulator (PN 22843712).

My Camaro's stance and handling is significantly enhanced, however I have been chasing a gremlin "faint ratcheting or creaking" noise which I cannot seem to isolate. The sound appears to be coming from the left front when turning the steering wheel back and forth with wheels on the ground. With the front wheels off the ground, the suspension is as quiet as a church mouse -so it only appears under load.

I have check and rechecked the tightness and alignment of everything. All is spot on. I have even removed the bushings and lubricated both sides with synthetic grease. No change.

I recently came across a few blogs on Camaro5 which discuss "Bushing Timing" along with diagrams which show which bolts are to be loosened to allow the new ride height to seat, then retighten. Unfortunately, I did not come across this until now, but I'm not convinced it's totally credible either. Has anyone lowered their Camaro and

1. Run across the same ratcheting noise when turning the wheel back and forth?

2. Performed the Bushing Timing procedure?

Here is the link on Camaro5 for Bushing Timing: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=153188

Also, please let me know if you did anything else when you lowered your Camaro.

Thanks for any assistance you may be able to provide.
Rick

stealth_grey12 · 02-04-2015, 01:39 AM

I installed some BMR springs about a month ago and just got my alignment/bushing timing done at a local tire shop. I just gave him the sheet from the BMR springs which had specific degree settings for the alignment and also had the bushings that needed to be loosened and retorqued. I didn't have any noise issues prior to this nor do I really notice a huge difference in handling. It is also winter in Oregon and I'm due for new tires so I haven't been pushing too many corners harder than needed. I know that's not really any help but just wanted to chime in for someone local. Hope you can get it figured out.

azrickster · 02-04-2015, 06:43 PM

Thanks Stealth! I did take my Camaro in and get the bushings timed. Learned a valuable $ lesson - now that I have paid for an alignment twice.
I was under the car when the tech performed the procedure. The suspension definitely moved when the bolts were loosened. The ride is a bit nicer (not quite as "springy"), but still handles great. The ratcheting noise is still present. With the Hotchkis downlinks disconnected, the suspension is quiet. Therefore, the noise must have something to do with the heavy duty Hotchkis sway bar.

01-05-2015, 04:28 PM	#1
azrickster Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS CGM 6M #38916 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Tualatin, Oregon Posts: 116 View My Garage	Bushing Timing? I installed the following Hotchkis Suspension components on my 2010 Camaro last summer: Chassis strut tower brace (PN20109) Lowering springs (PN19110) Competition sway bars with adjustable end links(PN 22110). As part of the install, we also changed out the old OEM strut mount with the newer style OEM mount with the beige colored insulator (PN 22843712). My Camaro's stance and handling is significantly enhanced, however I have been chasing a gremlin "faint ratcheting or creaking" noise which I cannot seem to isolate. The sound appears to be coming from the left front when turning the steering wheel back and forth with wheels on the ground. With the front wheels off the ground, the suspension is as quiet as a church mouse -so it only appears under load. I have check and rechecked the tightness and alignment of everything. All is spot on. I have even removed the bushings and lubricated both sides with synthetic grease. No change. I recently came across a few blogs on Camaro5 which discuss "Bushing Timing" along with diagrams which show which bolts are to be loosened to allow the new ride height to seat, then retighten. Unfortunately, I did not come across this until now, but I'm not convinced it's totally credible either. Has anyone lowered their Camaro and 1. Run across the same ratcheting noise when turning the wheel back and forth? 2. Performed the Bushing Timing procedure? Here is the link on Camaro5 for Bushing Timing: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=153188 Also, please let me know if you did anything else when you lowered your Camaro. Thanks for any assistance you may be able to provide. Rick Last edited by azrickster; 01-16-2015 at 10:13 PM.

02-04-2015, 01:39 AM	#2
stealth_grey12 Drives: 2012 V6 1LT RS Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Portland,OR Posts: 70	I installed some BMR springs about a month ago and just got my alignment/bushing timing done at a local tire shop. I just gave him the sheet from the BMR springs which had specific degree settings for the alignment and also had the bushings that needed to be loosened and retorqued. I didn't have any noise issues prior to this nor do I really notice a huge difference in handling. It is also winter in Oregon and I'm due for new tires so I haven't been pushing too many corners harder than needed. I know that's not really any help but just wanted to chime in for someone local. Hope you can get it figured out.

02-04-2015, 06:43 PM	#3
azrickster Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS CGM 6M #38916 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Tualatin, Oregon Posts: 116 View My Garage	Thanks Stealth! I did take my Camaro in and get the bushings timed. Learned a valuable $ lesson - now that I have paid for an alignment twice. I was under the car when the tech performed the procedure. The suspension definitely moved when the bolts were loosened. The ride is a bit nicer (not quite as "springy"), but still handles great. The ratcheting noise is still present. With the Hotchkis downlinks disconnected, the suspension is quiet. Therefore, the noise must have something to do with the heavy duty Hotchkis sway bar.