popping in front end when I hit a bump

[fad1]

Hey Pete,

If we upgrade to the Pedders suspension Xa kit, would that solve this "pop" issue? This coming from a future Camaro buyer. I want to know what to expect.

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by fad1

Hey Pete,

If we upgrade to the Pedders suspension Xa kit, would that solve this "pop" issue? This coming from a future Camaro buyer. I want to know what to expect.

There is always potential for a noise in any car, but the short answer would be yes.

[ljones]

Hmmm... Not sure if what I'm going through is the same, but this is awful.

It's hard to reproduce, but if I hit a bump just right, the front driver side dash sounds like its going to bust out. And the knock sound is almost as if there is no shock there. Wtf?

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by ljones

Hmmm... Not sure if what I'm going through is the same, but this is awful.

It's hard to reproduce, but if I hit a bump just right, the front driver side dash sounds like its going to bust out. And the knock sound is almost as if there is no shock there. Wtf?

The noises in this thread are much more subtle. We need to check your driver's side front strut for signs of leakage. Have you had it back to check at the Dealer?

[ljones]

Originally Posted by JusticePete

The noises in this thread are much more subtle. We need to check your driver's side front strut for signs of leakage. Have you had it back to check at the Dealer?

No, been trying to get some time to take it in. I need to try and get this looked at before I head out of town.

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by ljones

No, been trying to get some time to take it in. I need to try and get this looked at before I head out of town.

Allow to me tell you where to stick your head

Have some one turn the wheels full left and full right. You'll be able to get a good look at the strut this way. If the strut has or is leaking there will be oil in the lower spring perch or oily residue. If you stick your head in there you may also see stains on the strut body.

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by Freeman

GM hasn't come up with a fix yet ,hoping everyone will forget about it.

I sincerely doubt that. In the interim please print this post and take it to your Chevy Dealer.

Camaro Front End Noise Correction

Inspection -- Determine if the upper spring insulator is black rubber or beige urethane.

Inspection -- If it is black rubber and partially displaced, replace it with the updated steel and urethane insulator.

Inspection -- Is there any damage to any of the front end components.

Inspection -- If available test drive with chassis ears in place to identify the source. If chassis ears are not available complete the 9 Steps listed here.

1. With the weight of the car on the wheels, remove the strut retaining nut and plate.
2. Burp the exposed strut assembly nut tight with the biggest baddest air gun in the shop. TQ is the key. We need a sudden acceleration of the nut to make it tight.
3. Reinstall the strut retaining plate and strut retaining nut. Tighten with the same over kill air gun for the same reasons.
4. Hit the strut clevis bolts with the same gun.
5. Hit the endlink nuts with the same monster gun. Don't do it by hand. Crank them down.
6. Get a wrench and all three ball joint nuts. Make them mechanic tight.
7. Crank down the radius arm nut and bolt to the same standard. Mechanic tight.
8. Get a socket on the sway bar strap nuts and make them mechanic tight.
9. Hit all four steering rack bolts and make them mechanic tight.

The 5th Gen Camaro is a ZETA II front end. We have seen issues with the G8 in the USA and the Commodore in AU. Chevrolet addressed those issues with large more robust ball joints and studs. Pontiac has addressed them with a TSB to replace the LCA and radius arms. There is NO issue with those components on the Camaro. Replacing the arms on G8s does not eliminate the noise because there were additional sources. Those sources are what appear to be tight to spec nuts on ball joints, endlinks, steering rack mounts, clevis bolts and strut mounting hardware. (The Camaro strut mount is different from the G8, but similar in that it has two nuts one below and one above the strut mount). Tightening the bolts is the key to resolving front end noises. What makes it tough for the DYI is lack of access to a high volume high pressure air supply to power a rattle gun.

[pnyklr]

Thanks Pete, keep the information coming!

-Funk

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by Freeman

Pete

I have had mind to the two dealers, they tell me GM said it is normal and don't touch it.
What do you do in a case like this,I don't have the equipment to perform the procedure you listed above in you thread.
I can see rubber marks on the frame where the strut is moving up and down, which I think is where the noise is coming from.
Was this procedure you mentioned put out by GM in a TSB forum or just a fix by your suspension company.

Thanks

Subject:Front Suspension Thump or "Loose Lumber" Noise

Models:2010-2011 Chevrolet Camaro

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern

Some customers may comment about suspension noise coming from the front of the vehicle when driving at low/moderate speeds (16-40 km/h [10-25 mph]) over rough roadway surfaces (cracks, lightly broken surfaces). The sound has been described as a rattle, knocking, clunking or "loose lumber" noise. This sound should be of a relatively low volume and behave as a brief rumble or thud following impacts with rough roadways. The sound is non-metallic in nature and has a dull wooden character.
The "loose lumber" sound exists as a result of the basic component configuration and tuning that effect the ride, handling and steering of the vehicle.

Recommendation/Instructions

When a customer brings in a vehicle with front suspension noise, upon confirmation of the sound via a test drive, a brief inspection of the front suspension should be conducted (fastener torques, bushing/ball joint health). If no issues are found, the technician should confirm that the sound is/is not typical for the Camaro. (If needed, drive another Camaro and note the sound quality over small impacts.) If the sound is common in character with that of other Camaros, the customer should be informed that the vehicle is operating as intended and that the "loose lumber" sound is a normal suspension sound.

Warranty Information

If the noise is found to be a normal condition, please submit labor operation E9995 (Customer Concern Not Duplicated -- Tires, Wheels, Suspension and Steering); otherwise, utilize the labor operation for the repaired or replaced component.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

© 2010 General Motors. All rights reserved.

Print this and the prior post. Take it to your Chevy Dealer. I am confident they will make an effort to support you. If they don't, tell them to call me 248.522.8021 You may be better served calling these numbers.

Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center: 1-800-222-1020
GM Executive Center Detroit: 313-667-7153

Finally, the rubber tracks are normal. The strut retaining plate (the metal plate with the rubber ring) is there to hold the strut in place when lifted for service or airborne while driving When you turn the front wheelss the plate articulates and make light contact with the top of the inner fender well. That eliminates one source of possible noise

Hit the print button. Visit your dealer and let us know how things go

[FTLBS]

Just checking in to say that after all I've been through with the dealer, my Camaro is still making the same noise. No improvement whatsoever.

[thewrightcamaro]

i'm hearing the same noises as everyone else here... i only read the first couple pages and i didn't see anyone post noises when you drive in rain... it sounds horrible... i drove home from MD last night and i hit the rain storm that ended the WVU vs Marshal game and i almost pulled over because it sounded like my car was going to break in half... the noise was coming from the front and it wasn't subtle at all... i couldn't hear the radio or anything... i can't explain the sound via the keyboard, but next time i take it out, I'm going to have a recorded to catch the noises... i am calling the dealership tomorrow to try and get it in... I only have 12,000 miles on the car and it does not get rain hard and never has it been off a paved road... now i've been on patched roads etc... but never on a gravel/dirt road...

[TAG UR IT]

was it a constant sound or a popping sound?

[FTLBS]

Still popping away whenever i go over uneven pavement.

[Info@PeddersUSA.com]

Where in PA are you?