Springy sound from expansion joints

[luttersj]

As some of you know, I'm pretty new to the LS world (2 weeks today!!). When I'm driving down the road, concrete is most noticable, and I hit an expansion joint, I get a springy noise from my suspension. It's hard to describe but hopefully you know what I'm talking about. It's kind of annoying. Is it something that I have to live with or can I dampen that noise with different springs or tires (17" rims)?

 

[jontz]

There shouldn't be a springy noise at all...there is some sort of problem. It is coming from the front, I assume? If so, you could have a bad ball joint or sway bar bushings. I would at least take it in and get it checked out. Suspension noise is normal on my Jeep Cherokee, but not on the LS.

 

[luttersj]

I wish you could hear it... But instead of a nice solid thump like the wife's 325i, I get a *boing* noise. Maybe I will take it in. It can't hurt to have it checked out. Plus, it's still under warranty!! Thanks for the advice!

 

[jontz]

Hmmm...boing noise. Might be a broken spring. I had a Mercury Tracer with a broken spring and it kinda sounded like that. Either way, I'd take it in. Glad to help!

 

[luttersj]

the car looks like it's sitting level. Would a broken spring make it "slump" on the bad corner?

 

[luttersj]

well, I took it out over lunch (Wendy's in case you wanted to know...) and didn't notice anything. All the roads were asphalt and top speed was 40-45 MPH. Not a single "boing". it only seems to happen on concrete roads at 55 MPH and higher.

 

[jontz]

In answer to your first question, no, a broken spring wouldn't make it slump...unless it was REALLY broken. Cracked might be a more accurate term.

Wendy's!!! Did you get the spicey chicken? I love that thing...

Anyway, are you sure that it is from the suspension? Maybe something in the car, like the glovebox? The passenger seat? That big spring you always leave rolling around the floorboards?

You'll have to take a tape recorder with you next time you hit the concrete highway

 

[luttersj]

hehe. yeah, maybe I should check that big spring I have in the rear footwell...

I really listened closely to it last night. When I hit an expansion joint on a concrete highway, it almost seems to resonate through the frame. I don't feel any vibration or anything. I just hear the *boing* noise. I don't know...maybe I'll take a tech for a ride and ask him if it sounds normal or not. I kind of suspect the tires might be the cause. It's some brand that I've never heard of. I can't even remember it right now. Maybe they're some cheapo knock offs that look better than they perform or something.