Whining noise (like the wind) after installing coilovers? Damage to driveshaft or bearings or something else?

[AshHT6]

Hi all,

I installed some stx coilovers the weekend with the help of youtube. I've always done the brakes on my vehicles but never done suspension work before.

I'm sure I've installed everything correctly and the van drives so much nicer with no bangs or knocks etc...

But....

I'm sure I can hear a noise that sounds like the wind if that makes sense. Similar to road noise but in addition.

Could I have damaged the driveshaft, cv joint or some bearings when taking it all apart and its a rotary noise?

I did read a thread on here when someone's top mounts were transmitting road noise after installing coilovers, could it be that?

Sorry for the long message and thanks in advance for any help!

I'm running the same 16" wheels and tyres currently and it's been lowered by 80mm on the front and 60-65mm on the back. I might tweak this at some point.

Here's the van now. It's looking so much better!

 

[CJW]

I can only add my personal experience which may be totally unrelated so beware: after changing my suspension the wheels needed aligning. The whirring sound stopped.

 

[AshHT6]

I can only add my personal experience which may be totally unrelated so beware: after changing my suspension the wheels needed aligning. The whirring sound stopped.

I hope you're right. I'm planning on getting that done but wasn't sure if it's best to wait until I switch my wheels and tyres? I'm looking at some 18" wheels.

Thanks

 

[CJW]

I hope you're right. I'm planning on getting that done but wasn't sure if it's best to wait until I switch my wheels and tyres? I'm looking at some 18" wheels.

Thanks

There are people on here who can give a categorical on that but personally I would wait until everything is how you want it then get aligned.

 

[jayc001]

80mm drop will add quite a bit of toe out. That can cause tyre noise.A quick 5min test would be to adjust a track rod a few turns. If successful you know it was that and you should get it aligned either way.

 

[AshHT6]

80mm drop will add quite a bit of toe out. That can cause tyre noise.A quick 5min test would be to adjust a track rod a few turns. If successful you know it was that and you should get it aligned either way.

I'll have a look at that. I'll definitely get it aligned. Thanks

 

[AshHT6]

Update...

So I had it aligned (just the front for now as a temp until I sort new wheels) and I'd say the noise seems to be quieter but still noticeable. I'm not sure if it's just additional road noise due to stiffer suspension and being lower to the ground??? Not sure if theres any posts already about this topic? Lower stiffer suspension = more road noise? Still sounds like a rubbing noise or wearing noise to me. I might just be going made. Keep driving with the radio off, so I can listen out for any changes.

 

[CRS Performance]

Sorry i am late to this party ha ha

The fitting of any quality suspension will not cause noise at all , it is possible for poor alignment to increase tyre noise , Are you sure it isnt the tyres them selves , assuming the noise only started after the lowering ? The STX kit can only do 65 mm and this isnt low enough to cause poor alignment that cant be adjusted .

check things like the inner wing protectors they can come loose flap about and even rub , ( this is unlikely with the standard wheels however more relevant on 20 inch wider ones

 

[AshHT6]

Sorry i am late to this party ha ha

The fitting of any quality suspension will not cause noise at all , it is possible for poor alignment to increase tyre noise , Are you sure it isnt the tyres them selves , assuming the noise only started after the lowering ? The STX kit can only do 65 mm and this isnt low enough to cause poor alignment that cant be adjusted .

check things like the inner wing protectors they can come loose flap about and even rub , ( this is unlikely with the standard wheels however more relevant on 20 inch wider ones

Thanks for your advice! The fronts have the top mount mod also, but at its lowest it's around 80mm I think? I've raised it up slightly now to even it out with the back more. There's nothing loose that I can see. Since having it aligned, I'd say the noise is better but it still seems louder than before? The more I drive it, the more it sounds like the brakes are sticking and creating a rotary noise? But I don't think it's the brakes. Thanks

 

[CRS Performance]

We dont like the top mount mod at all , the mount itself eventually breaks

 

[AshHT6]

We dont like the top mount mod at all , the mount itself eventually breaks

View attachment 262198

O, ok. Thanks again.

 

[Richie15]

Does heat make any difference or does the van need fo get warm for the noise to start?

 

[AshHT6]

Does heat make any difference or does the van need fo get warm for the noise to start?

You can hear my noise from the go. @CRS Performance. Do you guys do wheel alignment and would you be OK doing a health check on suspension fitted by others? When I get my new wheels and tyres, I want a 4 wheel alignment done and it would be good to get my setup checked over by a professional. Thanks.

 

[CRS Performance]

You can hear my noise from the go. @CRS Performance. Do you guys do wheel alignment and would you be OK doing a health check on suspension fitted by others? When I get my new wheels and tyres, I want a 4 wheel alignment done and it would be good to get my setup checked over by a professional. Thanks.

Yes we can help .

 

[AshHT6]

Yes we can help .

Cool. Once I have my new wheels and tyres, I'll contact you. Thanks