Hotchkis Adjustable Endline clunk?

akak1997 · 04-11-2009, 02:38 AM

I just installed my Hotchkis front sway with their Adjustable End Links. Went for a test drive and I hear some weird sound coming from the front of the car that was not there before the sway bar install.
It sounds like something is rocking back and forth and hitting something hollow. It is very faint, I can only hear it clearly when I'm driving really slow, <30mph. after going thru some bumps/uneven road. I think the sound is still there at higher speed but I couldn't hear clearly.

I came back, took off the wheels to see if anything in there is loose, but everything is tight. I followed the instructions when installing the end links, I adjust it so that it is the same length as stock (give or take a few mm). I did Not do the step where it say to remove pre-load, where I drive the car on ramp and adjust the end link such that it goes into the sway bar hole easily. I've a rhino ramp, but it doesn't really give me enough clearance to adjust the end link. I also tighten the nut/bolt on both ends of the end links pretty tight (it's like it won't go any more using a 6" ratchet). Should they be a little less tight?

Is the sound coming from the end links? or it's something else. Is it save to continue driving the car? the car doesn't feel like it's acting funny, the alignment is still good (I think, haven't taken it to high speed yet).

Thanks in advance.

Citizen Z · 04-11-2009, 03:58 AM

Does your sway go over or under the steering rack linkage? I actually installed mine upside down originally and had clunks over ever bump and joint. I don't think I have any permanent damage, thank goodness.

akak1997 · 04-11-2009, 04:17 AM

the sway goes over the steering rack linkage. that's the right way right? The end of the sway bar is like a up side down U (or a 'n') over the steering rack linkage. Do you get a loud clunk or faint clunk? mine is quite faint. Thanks

Citizen Z · 04-11-2009, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akak1997

the sway goes over the steering rack linkage. that's the right way right? The end of the sway bar is like a up side down U (or a 'n') over the steering rack linkage. Do you get a loud clunk or faint clunk? mine is quite faint. Thanks

They do go over and occasionally I get a faint clunk as well. I'm not sure the source since my end links are nice and tight.

akak1997 · 04-11-2009, 07:55 PM

it was the jam nut that's loose...after it has been tighten down, the clunk went away.

04-11-2009, 02:38 AM	#1
akak1997 Major 66 Rep 1,159 Posts Drives: BMW 135 @ 135mph Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 135i [0.00]	Hotchkis Adjustable Endline clunk? I just installed my Hotchkis front sway with their Adjustable End Links. Went for a test drive and I hear some weird sound coming from the front of the car that was not there before the sway bar install. It sounds like something is rocking back and forth and hitting something hollow. It is very faint, I can only hear it clearly when I'm driving really slow, <30mph. after going thru some bumps/uneven road. I think the sound is still there at higher speed but I couldn't hear clearly. I came back, took off the wheels to see if anything in there is loose, but everything is tight. I followed the instructions when installing the end links, I adjust it so that it is the same length as stock (give or take a few mm). I did Not do the step where it say to remove pre-load, where I drive the car on ramp and adjust the end link such that it goes into the sway bar hole easily. I've a rhino ramp, but it doesn't really give me enough clearance to adjust the end link. I also tighten the nut/bolt on both ends of the end links pretty tight (it's like it won't go any more using a 6" ratchet). Should they be a little less tight? Is the sound coming from the end links? or it's something else. Is it save to continue driving the car? the car doesn't feel like it's acting funny, the alignment is still good (I think, haven't taken it to high speed yet). Thanks in advance.
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04-11-2009, 03:58 AM	#2
Citizen Z Alpine Master 111 Rep 1,310 Posts Drives: '08 135i AW Sport Join Date: May 2008 Location: Kansas iTrader: (1)	Does your sway go over or under the steering rack linkage? I actually installed mine upside down originally and had clunks over ever bump and joint. I don't think I have any permanent damage, thank goodness. __________________ Alpine White with Taupe Leather 135i, Sports Package, Heated Seats, Comfort Access, iPod Adapter Fastness: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=252727
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04-11-2009, 04:17 AM	#3
akak1997 Major 66 Rep 1,159 Posts Drives: BMW 135 @ 135mph Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 135i [0.00]	the sway goes over the steering rack linkage. that's the right way right? The end of the sway bar is like a up side down U (or a 'n') over the steering rack linkage. Do you get a loud clunk or faint clunk? mine is quite faint. Thanks
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04-11-2009, 07:55 PM	#5
akak1997 Major 66 Rep 1,159 Posts Drives: BMW 135 @ 135mph Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 135i [0.00]	it was the jam nut that's loose...after it has been tighten down, the clunk went away.
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