Terrible noise from OME/Bilstein/SPC setup

No that's the ball joint where the alignment adjustments are done. I'm talking about the long bolt that mounts the arm to the frame. There's a big metal washer on either end. You need to grease in between the washer and the arm bushing.

I jacked up the truck and took my tire off so I had more room to work. Just don't take the bolt out. Take the nut and washer off the one side. Tap the bolt out just enough to be able to free the other washer up to get grease between it and the bushing.

 

Ok I think I know where you're talking about now. (I'm not mechanically inclined and more of a visual learner haha). I'll see if I can figure it out myself, otherwise I may be reaching out to some of the AZ guys for help!

 

It's very easy to do. 2 things to make sure don't do. DON'T remove the bolt all the way. DON'T torque the bolts to spec until you put the truck back on the ground. Just get it as tight as you can by hand and then torque it when you drop it down.

It's a very simple job.

 

I just don't have a floor jack or jack stands. But I know what needs to be done now so thanks for the help!

 

You greased the ball joints on the UCA's yes? The instructions on mine said to put 7-10 pumps of grease in each zerk after install. Then 1 or 2 every few thousand miles or so. Sorry if you mentioned that already, I just read the OP

 

I recently started hearing a similar noise on the drivers side. Like stated above, my issue was in the same area of the UCA bolt. Somehow it got loose and was causing some play on every bump/turn I was taking. Grabbed a 3/4 socket, torqued it to spec, and the noise is completely gone. Also applied some loctite so hopefully it doesn't happen again.

 

Make sure you got your UCA bolt greased. Mine started making that same noise, hooked up a grease gun to the zerks, gave her a couple pumps, problem went away.

 

Never thought about using that actually. But a quick google search led me to this https://www.amazon.com/DYKEM-Tamper...&qid=1484674160&sr=8-3&keywords=torque+marker

 

you nailed it. After putting some super lube between the washer and the bushings the sound has almost completely disappeared. Still a little bit of sound left but much more tolerable. Thanks!

 

Glad it worked out for you! Keep an eye on it and report back after a week or so. Mine has since started to slowly make the noise again already. It's no where near the level it was before though.

 

Been watching this thread to see whether that cured the issue. Having the exact same noise. Frustrating. Will be trying this remedy.

 

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned or not or whose truck that is, but that balljoint is installed incorrectly.

 

That's actually my truck. Care to explain? I'm no mechanic but I've had several different mechanics work on various parts of the front suspension and you're the first to mention it.

 

Im sure they're just not familiar with SPC arms so that's why it's not obvious to them, but the SPC logo should face OUT towards the wheels.

 

Maybe I'm deaf but that didn't sound too bad to me. I think my Dakars are louder than that!
Seriously though, grease the washers as mentioned and verify the torque on the bolt. I had to grease and retorque mine a couple times.
In the end my whole UCA ended up breaking.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/another-front-end-clunk-thread.450697/ Pics of the broken UCA are on the last page of the thread.
Needless to say I'm running my stock again since my alignment #'s where ok with OEM. I probably wont be looking at SPC for any future aftermarket UCA needs, but that's just my $0.02.

 

If peoples heads turn when I go over a speed bump it's too loud haha. Got the problem solved by greasing the washers as suggested. Hopefully the fix sticks

 

Hey I understand. If I had a brand new rig I'd expect it to be pretty noise free as well. Although anytime you replace factory parts you'll most always get some kind of 'feedback,' regardless of the vehicles vintage.
Glad to hear you got it sorted.

 

Just checked mine and the logo is now facing out. I had some wicked alignment issues after the install so maybe it was because of how they were originally when installed. Thanks for pointing it out.

 

I'm a bit late to this discussion, but would you mind elaborating on what theory you were going to offer?

 

Over Speed Bump Goes Clank