Suspension woes-but not after prolonged use. RESOLVED!

[Scruffy]

Hi all. I have a T6.1, SWB, Kombi, 71 plate with 60k + on it, and I've had it from new. I had Koni shocks and 40mm lowered springs fitted, ( supplied by CRS) the day I got it, along with some 18" alloys and run 235/55's. Originally the ride was very good, compared to my previous T6, but the last few months I've noticed a change not only in the ride, but noises going over bumps etc, and generally feeling different. There was a definite clunk from the front going over speed bumps and an almost constant clanking from the rear at low speeds. So off it went to my local garage, who found a joint on the front ARB broken and they replaced this. This made a difference, but the noises from the rear are still there. We shook the van around whilst a mechanic was under it in a pit, but to no avail, and visually they can't find anything loose or wearing or anything obviously wrong. They're at a loss, as am I , but we all agree there's something very wrong at the back of the vehicle, and they've basically said we'll have to wait until something breaks or falls off.

Now here's the kicker, an hour or so of driving, and no noises! What the hell? What in the suspension components would cease to creak, clank whatever, after a few hours of driving?

Help please.

 

[matt_w]

Does the van have a built in rear heater? The one in my Caravelle is located just in front of the offside rear suspension.
I didn't know I had a rear heater until I sprung a coolant leak towards the rear of the van.

Other than that, I'm at a loss at to what could cause the issue, but disappear once warm???

 

[Scruffy]

No it doesn’t . I think saying warm is probably misleading. I should say after at least an hours driving.

 

[Scruffy]

Has anyone got any thoughts?

 

[CRS Performance]

Change the lower rear spring rubbers

If you have aftermarket springs ( probably do if you have been to us ) you need the uprated Evo ones we now do they are stronger and wider to fit aftermarket springs !

only £16.00 a side . I am sure this is the noise , do you notice there is no noise when it rains >?? if so this is the problem

 

[Scruffy]

Thanks for the reply @CRS Performance , would these make a noise when "cold" but no noise after few hours of driving? As for rain, I'll wait and see, it's forecast tomorrow morning.

 

[CRS Performance]

Thanks for the reply @CRS Performance , would these make a noise when "cold" but no noise after few hours of driving? As for rain, I'll wait and see, it's forecast tomorrow morning.

Its quite possible because its metal on metal , constant rubbing will warm it up a little and could make the difference ?? it is the biggest issue on transporter vans
thats why we invested so much money into developing an injection mould to produce something better

 

[Scruffy]

Thanks @CRS Performance , I'll be listening out tomorrow morning if its raining for any noises, and I think I'll be calling you on Monday to order those parts.

 

[Scruffy]

Sorted! Turns out it was the rear damper/s. A trip to @CRS Performance and jobs a good un, as they say. A real rarity according to Steve, but well worth the trip to Cannock.