Need some help from suspension/alignment experts! - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

SS Performance · 05-05-2018, 06:54 PM

So I'll start at the beginning.

I installed the Ground Control Caster/Camber plates. (I'l give a over view of the install in a different thread)

In order to install them the struts must be removed (duh!).

I got everything reinstalled and set the camber and toe. Took the car for a drive and checked the camber again. Drivers side camber was off. I thought maybe I had made a mistake so I reset the drivers side. Torqued everything down and loaded the car on the trailer.

Got to the track took her out for the warm-up laps and heard a clunk from the front drivers side.

Went back to the pits checked the camber and it was off again!

The only thing I can think of is the spindle is slipping on the strut. So I reset it and torgue the bolts AGAIN!

Go back out still clunking!

So I went home (only about 25 miles) picked up grade 8 bolts 5/8" (same size as M16). Installed them and torqued them to spec, 150 flbs. Took a drive same ####### clunk! Went in retorqued to 200 flbs. Drove still clunking

I'm at a loss as what to do to figure out what is going on. Any advise/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Craig

Matty Ice · 05-06-2018, 01:35 AM

Did you check the sway bar end links?

SS Performance · 05-06-2018, 10:08 AM

I'll check but would that account for the camber changing?

cdb95z28 · 05-06-2018, 12:36 PM

There is no way the knuckle and strut mounting is coming loose at the amount the bolts are being torqued.

How are you checking camber? If your car is not level, your reading will be off. Unless you are taking readings with the car on the same spot every time, that is a variable. How off are your #s?

The clunk is a sign that there is looseness, obviously, lol double check the upper strut/GC camber plate fitment again. It's possible the GC bearing is bad causing the noise. Is the clunk when you are driving straight or while turning?

Matty Ice · 05-06-2018, 10:36 PM

No, that would not change camber. Unbolt one of the end links and see if the clunk goes away. If it does it is your end link.

SS Performance · 05-07-2018, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdb95z28

There is no way the knuckle and strut mounting is coming loose at the amount the bolts are being torqued.

How are you checking camber? If your car is not level, your reading will be off. Unless you are taking readings with the car on the same spot every time, that is a variable. How off are your #s?

The clunk is a sign that there is looseness, obviously, lol double check the upper strut/GC camber plate fitment again. It's possible the GC bearing is bad causing the noise. Is the clunk when you are driving straight or while turning?

To check camber I use a longacre digital caster camber gauge on my garage floor or 4 post lift. Floor is very level. I have had a change of as much as a full degree.

05-05-2018, 06:54 PM	#1
SS Performance Drives: 02 Camaro B4C Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Cape May County NJ Posts: 749	Need some help from suspension/alignment experts! So I'll start at the beginning. I installed the Ground Control Caster/Camber plates. (I'l give a over view of the install in a different thread) In order to install them the struts must be removed (duh!). I got everything reinstalled and set the camber and toe. Took the car for a drive and checked the camber again. Drivers side camber was off. I thought maybe I had made a mistake so I reset the drivers side. Torqued everything down and loaded the car on the trailer. Got to the track took her out for the warm-up laps and heard a clunk from the front drivers side. Went back to the pits checked the camber and it was off again! The only thing I can think of is the spindle is slipping on the strut. So I reset it and torgue the bolts AGAIN! Go back out still clunking! So I went home (only about 25 miles) picked up grade 8 bolts 5/8" (same size as M16). Installed them and torqued them to spec, 150 flbs. Took a drive same ####### clunk! Went in retorqued to 200 flbs. Drove still clunking I'm at a loss as what to do to figure out what is going on. Any advise/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Craig __________________ A man's garage is his castle 1969 Camaro SS 1970 Camaro SS 2002 Camaro B4C 2014 Camaro SS Dedicated Track Car 2015 Camaro 1SS 1LE 2008 HHR SS 1996 Silverado Crew Cab Long Bed Dual Rear Wheel

05-06-2018, 10:08 AM	#3
SS Performance Drives: 02 Camaro B4C Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Cape May County NJ Posts: 749	I'll check but would that account for the camber changing? __________________ A man's garage is his castle 1969 Camaro SS 1970 Camaro SS 2002 Camaro B4C 2014 Camaro SS Dedicated Track Car 2015 Camaro 1SS 1LE 2008 HHR SS 1996 Silverado Crew Cab Long Bed Dual Rear Wheel

05-06-2018, 12:36 PM	#4
cdb95z28 Drives: 2022 1SS 1LE A10 BCD WCT+PDR Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Johnstown, PA Posts: 3,203	There is no way the knuckle and strut mounting is coming loose at the amount the bolts are being torqued. How are you checking camber? If your car is not level, your reading will be off. Unless you are taking readings with the car on the same spot every time, that is a variable. How off are your #s? The clunk is a sign that there is looseness, obviously, lol double check the upper strut/GC camber plate fitment again. It's possible the GC bearing is bad causing the noise. Is the clunk when you are driving straight or while turning? __________________ 2022 1SS 1LE A10 BCD WCT+PDR2014 1SS 1LE NPP RECARO SIM-SOLD1995 Z28 M6 GSC PGM-SOLD1975 NOVA COUPE 300HP 350 TH350 FLASH RED-SOLD

05-06-2018, 01:35 AM	#2
Matty Ice Drives: 2015 SS/RS 1LE Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 537	Did you check the sway bar end links?

05-06-2018, 10:36 PM	#5
Matty Ice Drives: 2015 SS/RS 1LE Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 537	No, that would not change camber. Unbolt one of the end links and see if the clunk goes away. If it does it is your end link.