Loud Pop Noise on right turn

Suspension related stuff goes in here.
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jimincalif
Posts: 410
Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 12:43 am
Your car is a: 1980 FI Spider
Location: Lake Forest, CA

Loud Pop Noise on right turn

Post by jimincalif »

Whenever I make a right turn over any sort of bump, or turn right into a driveway, I get a pretty loud pop or clunk type noise from the right rear of the car. I thought (hoped) it might be the jack banging around, but I eliminated that. I also checked that the lug bolts are tight, so seems like it is in the suspension system somewhere. I've looked at everything under there and don't see anything obvious. Tugged on everything and it seems secure. Exhaust system looks OK and doesn't seem to contact anything. Any ideas on how to diagnose this? Thanks.
1980 FI Spider
pope

Re: Loud Pop Noise on right turn

Post by pope »

I would check the shock tower inside the trunk to make sure the shock grommet is there. Have a good look at your trailing arms also.
jimincalif
Posts: 410
Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 12:43 am
Your car is a: 1980 FI Spider
Location: Lake Forest, CA

Re: Loud Pop Noise on right turn

Post by jimincalif »

Thanks Pope, in the trunk there is a rubber washer on both sides at the top of the shock. Looks fairly new and in good condition. Is this the grommet you are referring to? My Haynes book doesn't show any other bits that should be there.

Climbed under and looked at the trailing arms, nothing seems out of order, though I'm no expert at what I'm looking at. I thought something might be binding and then letting go, but can't tell. I cannot duplicate the noise by just lifting and pressing down on the car, it is definitely related to something happening when both turning and hitting a bump or going up the incline of a driveway at the same time.

Jim
1980 FI Spider
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manoa matt
Posts: 3442
Joined: Thu Oct 26, 2006 4:28 pm
Your car is a: 1978 Fiat 124 Spider 1800
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii

Re: Loud Pop Noise on right turn

Post by manoa matt »

Are you sure its comming from the rear? Not too much moving on a solid axle car while turning, unless its the differential trying not being differential.

I have a special case with my carport/driveway. When I reverse out I have to turn and go down a small hill at the same time. The drivers side outer tie rod end boot ring gets hung up on the lip of the lower control arm. I welded on a piece of metal that lets it slide over the lip. It used to cause a popping noise when it let go and would chew up the boot, not any more.
jimincalif
Posts: 410
Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 12:43 am
Your car is a: 1980 FI Spider
Location: Lake Forest, CA

Re: Loud Pop Noise on right turn

Post by jimincalif »

Thanks Matt, I will look. But pretty darn sure it is coming from the right rear. When my wife is in the passenger seat she also says it sounds like it is coming from behind her.

The only thing I've found so far anywhere near the noise was the large bolt in the spare tire compartment that goes to the bumper mount. It was loose and sticking out about one inch. Tightened it, but no effect on the sound.
1980 FI Spider
racydave

Re: Loud Pop Noise on right turn

Post by racydave »

I found my r\rear shock loose at the top making that noise. You might try putting jack stands under the rear axle and hitting the suspension with a rubber mallot.
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