Creaking from Roll Bar?

Mr Monster · #1 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007, 07:37 AM

I've got roughly 2300 miles on SPF 2540 and I've developed a Big creaking from what I believe is the factory installed driver roll bar every time I start, stop, go over speed bumps and even sometimes when I first get my butt into the seat, and it's starting to drive me nuts. I've taken it in and the installer thought it was due to lack of lube on the grommet where the metal meets the fiberglass and he shot it with some lube. The creaking didn't go away. I can be at a stop light, hit the gas while holding onto the roll bar and actually feel it when I hear it.

Anybody have any tidbits of information for me? Thanks in advance.

greg schroeder · #2 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007, 08:22 AM

The lower A arms on the rear get squeaky. It may be that. I had mine apart and lubricated the moving parts a bit. It's silent now.

jdog · #3 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007, 08:42 AM

..................Sidepipes, would 'fix' everything!

jdog
P.S. Tom Lucas at FE Specialties has some side pipes that you can drop a baseball thru, they are very loud, you might try them. They should add a few horses also.

Blas · #4 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007, 01:51 PM

Older SPF's do not have a bolt on the shorter side of the rollbar. Newer SPF cars have a bolt added there because of a reported squeaking problem. I just replaced my original roll bar with the taller version. I added a large 'O-ring" on the body pin to prevent any squeaking with the new bar (my original never had a problem). So I agree with the others that your noise is probably coming from the rear suspension. Lube it up, one side at a time to see if you can locate the problem. Right top - test, right bottom - test....etc....

Lowell W · #5 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007, 07:17 PM

Squeaking Suspension fix

Lowell

BLUE427 · #6 (**permalink**) 09-04-2007, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Monster

I've got roughly 2300 miles on SPF 2540 and I've developed a Big creaking from what I believe is the factory installed driver roll bar every time I start, stop, go over speed bumps and even sometimes when I first get my butt into the seat, and it's starting to drive me nuts. I've taken it in and the installer thought it was due to lack of lube on the grommet where the metal meets the fiberglass and he shot it with some lube. The creaking didn't go away. I can be at a stop light, hit the gas while holding onto the roll bar and actually feel it when I hear it.

Anybody have any tidbits of information for me? Thanks in advance.

MONSTER,
I HAVE ALSO DEVEOPED THE NOISE, I HAVE HELD ON TO THE ROLL BAR, AND ALSO FEEL THE SQUEAK IN IT TOO BUT I THINK THE VIBRATIONS OF THE SQUEAKING ARE BEING TRANSMITTED THROUGH THE ROLL BAR AND WOULD SUSPECT THAT THE NOISE IS COMING FROM THE SUSPENSION. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF LOOKING FOR THE NOISE RIGHT NOW. I HAVE SPF2585 AND 2000 MILES ON IT ALSO. SOUNDS LIKE WE ARE IN THE SAME BOAT. LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU COME UP WITH, I WILL DO THE SAME IF I FIND IT.

Powershift1038 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-04-2007, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blas

Older SPF's do not have a bolt on the shorter side of the rollbar. Newer SPF cars have a bolt added there because of a reported squeaking problem.

That is very interesting. I noticed on my SPF (#1038) the short bar did not have a bolt through it, but there is a hole for one. I didn't see any evidence of a bolt having been installed either (paint scuff from bolt, etc.). Seems odd they would not have a bolt joining the two bars. Should one be added? Oh yea, I don't have the squeak either.

jperickson2001 · #8 (**permalink**) 09-04-2007, 11:28 PM

It's the tight fitting polyurathane bushings on your rear A-arms. They need lube and wear to quiet down. It's like walking across a clean lanolium floor with wet sneekers on. Creek, Creek, Creek.
See, I told you that you really need to wear earplugs when driving. :P -John

Silverback51 · #9 (**permalink**) 09-05-2007, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jperickson2001

.......... See, I told you that you really need to wear earplugs when driving. :P -John

And miss the wonderful sound of the side pipes?

kevdoyle · #10 (**permalink**) 09-26-2007, 07:10 AM

I had the same problem with mine, definitely sounded like the rollbar but turned out to be the lower rear control arm bushes.

Try spraying a good penetrating lube on the bushings and see if the noise gets reduced or eliminated. I spoke with dynamic , the builder of the car and the parts /tech guy ( name escapes me, nice helpful guy) said there's a grease fitting kit available to fix the problem. I was going to do it but sold the car before getting around to it.

Personally I'd rather see someone come out with a non-poly bushing. A bit more compliance and less stiction / bind would make the car work better in transition and ride better, not to mention reducing or eliminating the problem you're having.

Kevin

jperickson2001 · #11 (**permalink**) 09-26-2007, 09:09 AM

I met with MR. Monster about a week ago and he said he lubed his rear suspension and the sound went away. Aparently the creaking rose up through the roll bar thus giving him the impression it was the roll bar. Happy ending-John

kevdoyle · #12 (**permalink**) 09-26-2007, 10:13 AM

Glad to hear that it worked out.

It's a nasty sound, reminded me of an old TR-6 when it had a broken IRS mount. Nice when it's a cheap fix.

kevin