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15K views 96 replies 19 participants last post by  odla 
#1 ·
Hey guys. Newbie here.

I did a search on this issue and couldn't find anything directly related. I had the Ground Control coilover kit installed ("Street Performance" version) about five months ago by a former Caddillac Technician.

On my way home from the install, I noticed the suspension made all kinds of disconcerting noises (sounded like the front wheels were about to fall off). The installer told me that the suspension just needed time to settle, so I lived with it for a couple of weeks.

The sound continued to be so obnoxiously loud, that I took it back to him and had him check everything out. He verified that everything was as it should be, sprayed some lube on the upper mount and lower spring seat and sent me on my way.

I also called Ground Control and emailed Mark (GC) some photos of the installed coilovers (never got a response back). I've called and emailed on other occasions as well.

It's been embarrassing to have anyone ride in my car because the damn thing sounds like Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang and the passengers worry that the front end is going to fall off at the next stoplight.

I recently took it to another suspension shop, had them do a full alignment and forked over a bunch of $$ just to have them quell the noise, and it's just as bad as ever, and for some reason, gets even worse when the underside of the car gets wet (rain, carwash, etc.).

I love the way the car looks and handles, but the suspension has otherwise really soured the ownership experience. I can't believe how noisy it is and I'm put off that Ground Control has been so non-responsive.

I did see one thread about using washers on the rear suspension to take up slop, but the noise on my car is primarily from the front, and it sounds as if the springs are still not seated correctly or that there is still slop, and it's really bad at low-speed and when coming to a stop. Sometimes you can feel it moving around, too.

Please, if any of you that have this system can offer some advice, I'm all ears. I would hate to have to go back to stock ride height, but I don't know how much longer I can take the noise.

Thanks!
 
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#2 ·
Myself and a couple of others here on the forums have had the same issue. To me it sounds like a horrible metal on metal grating sound which also only occurs for me if the car has been driven in wet conditions.

As a temporary fix I just spray liberal amounts of white lithium grease on upper spring mount/top of shock area and the sound disappears, until the underside of the car gets wet again. I actually got under the car last summer and retightened everything and made sure everything at least looked right and nothing looked out of the ordinary. I do not believe this is a big deal, it is just very annoying if you don't keep the area lubed up.

I was pretty vexed by this because I had my Ground Control setup on my car for a year or more and never had these sounds, then last summer after driving through a hell of a rainstorm I noticed the sounds the next day and I have been spraying the lithium grease ever since.

I hope this helps you out.
 
G
#4 ·
The clunking you describe sounds different than the usual squeaking from the front. Post some pics of the assembly. How much do you have it lowered? Try taking off a wheel and man-handling the hub to see if you can hear where the noise is coming from.



I was pretty vexed by this because I had my Ground Control setup on my car for a year or more and never had these sounds, then last summer after driving through a hell of a rainstorm I noticed the sounds the next day and I have been spraying the lithium grease ever since.
I took it back home, took of the driver's wheel and checked on things. Everything was tight. Took it to the shop and they needed a couple hours to take a couple things apart and found it was just the bumpstop. So adding grease quelled things. Every few weeks, I'd get under with a grease gun and added some blobs. It would take care of it every time. 4 or 5 applications over 2-3 months and I haven't added any since.
You guys should look into getting a round needle bearing installed at the base of the springs. I have a set between the springs and the adjusting nut and have not heard ANY peep from the front suspension since. It's basically a thin needle bearing assembly sandwiched between two thin pieces of stainless.
 
#3 ·
You're hitting the bumpstop on the driver's side. At least that's what happened to me. I had the GC installed for a couple weeks and was just leaving my house to drive to Michigan for a track day at GingerMan. We had some rain and as I got to the bottom of my street, I got that sound.

I took it back home, took of the driver's wheel and checked on things. Everything was tight. Took it to the shop and they needed a couple hours to take a couple things apart and found it was just the bumpstop. So adding grease quelled things. Every few weeks, I'd get under with a grease gun and added some blobs. It would take care of it every time. 4 or 5 applications over 2-3 months and I haven't added any since.

Now, I thought it was gone for good but I did notice a faint noise just a few months ago on a moist day. Since I drive with the radio on, I never heard it, it was so faint. Now, it's a non-issue.
 
#6 ·
pics??
 
#9 ·
I know what a torrington looks like. I want to see its application in the V
 
#12 ·
Thanks! That would be sweet! Have a pretty good idea but since I dont have gc yet it would be nice to have as a reference.
 
#16 ·
I have the same issue and I just installed my setup. Is this the definate fix? Where could I pick up a set at? Link?
 
#14 ·
Thanks for the replies everybody.

I'll have to look into roller thrust bearings - that sounds like it could cure the problem as the some of the noise gives me the impression that the front springs aren't seated properly.

In response to your question PISNUOFF, the car is sitting right around 26 7/8" at all four corners, which is what I understand to be GC's recommended ride height (measured all four corners last weekend). If I get a chance during the week, I'll try to snap some pics and post 'em for better detail.

Again, I really appreciate all the replies. I'll keep you all updated once I get a chance to get those bearings up front and the washers in the back.
 
#15 ·
Ground Control has about the lamest customer service in the world. You're not alone, if that's any consolation.

Oh, and I heard that metal-on-metal grating one time, just once. Made my eyes as large as saucers when it happened, too. :eek:
 
#17 ·
PISNUOFF,

Did you ever get a od and id on the bearing size?
 
#74 ·
check out this V2 guy's other solution to what i think may be the same issue:





heater hose and grease!
 
#19 ·
Thanks a bunch. I was parallel parking on a hill the other night and noticed the noise. It is very loud at low speeds and stopping. I got out at work this morning and pushed down on the front of the car and heard it.
 
#20 · (Edited)
so glad i havent installed my set-up yet! what is the ID and OD of those bearings PISNUOFF i want to get them... (only need 2 right)

also are there any other things i will need to know about this shit b4 i start... i hate to have to take it part again... (clunking in rear... any nnoises with qa1's or only fg2/fe4)


just curious... thanks


EDIT****WOW YOU GUYS ARE GOOD... AS I WAS TYPING THIS AND SUBMITTED REPLY HERE YOU GUYS ARE ANSWERING MOST OF MY QUESTIONS... LOL
 
G
#21 ·
I posted the ID and OD of the springs up above. You only need two for the front. Search posts for the rear clunk fixes. I cut down the 2-1/2" inner sleeve on the rear mount about 1/2" instead of adding washers. I occaisionally have a slight clunk but it's from the thin rubber washer that comes with the GC being worn out and eaten up. You may want to look into a better rubber washer. The washer sits between the dust shield and the shock mount. Also, if you install QA1's they will make the car sit an extra inch lower front and rear so you'll need to adjust the GC up for that. Make sure you reinstall the dust shields over the top of the rear shocks or you'll be riding on the bump stops when you hit a bump or corner hard, this will throw the a$$ end sideways on you. It's not as fun of a ride as it sounds.
 
#25 ·
Also, if you install QA1's they will make the car sit an extra inch lower front and rear so you'll need to adjust the GC up for that. Make sure you reinstall the dust shields over the top of the rear shocks or you'll be riding on the bump stops when you hit a bump or corner hard, this will throw the a$$ end sideways on you. It's not as fun of a ride as it sounds.
Mortar forker! What bumpstops? On the FG2 suspension, the bump stops are built into the dust shields, right? So the QA1 has additional bumpstops, huh? Mine came without and I'm using the dust shields. Just one more thing to figure out on the QA1 changeover.


Don't buy used, my friends...
 
#23 ·
The 33 buck ones are sealed and size specific. You don't want the noise, sounds like the front end is coming apart.
 
#27 ·
ok so now...

i have my brand new qa1s sitting here in front of me.. they have a black rubber bumpstop on them already... REMOVE this or no?

on the back put the dust shield on but that has built in bump stop.... so then i will have 2 on one shock... im suspension stupid sorry
 
#28 ·
G
#30 ·
I use the rear dust shields and the stock bump stock since I also bought my shocks used. The bump stops are only press fit into the top of the shield. If the stops ever happen to come out of their pocket, heat up the pocket and press them back in with the shock. I had the pogo effect when I simply put the bump stops on without the shield. They ended up sliding down the shaft of the shock. Putting the bump stops back into the shields lowered the shaft-to-mount contact point stopped the pogo 100%. If the rear ones come with new/shorter (by at least 1/2") bumpstops, I'd be inclined to try them. It's only 30-45 minutes to change back if you leave off the trunk side carpets. I use the stock front bumpstops and have never hit them, my tires rub the fender long before the shock bottoms out.

TBJS - I'm going to move from 600/650 to 750/800 for V-Day 3. I'll let you know how the higher rates compare.
 
#51 ·
Got to talk to the guy I bought the QA1s from. They were spec'd up for road racing. Why I didn't get that info on Day 1 is beyond me... Bump stops shouldn't be an issue since he didn't use bump stops at all. :sneaky: But he's also recommending 900lbs minimum. Makes sense, I guess. The V had some pogo at 700lbs but would almost launch off the ground on some bad undulations I found with the 550. I'm going to spend another $110 for 900lb rear springs and try that.

He also told me that with these spring rates and shocks, the Hotchkis bars probably won't be quite good enough. So I have a contact for some adjustable bars...

I really just want a nice handling V with an OK ride. I also got a contact from him of a suspension specialist that dynoed the shocks and i believe he's in Long Island. So I may go make a visit and try to pick his brain. I've talked to him before and he's a good guy on the phone. I just don't want to go so far that I'm replacing everything I see...
 
#31 ·
If you sell the 600/650 let me know!
 
#34 ·
That would be great. I love stiff cars but I dont think the heavy caddy would like the stiff springs on the roads around my town.
 
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