Attn Evo 7 owners: Have any of you guys experienced any knocking sound in your front suspension everytime you pass by bumpy, uneven roads or at some small pot holes? A friend told me that it may be due to a faulty top mount / top hat in the front shocks.

 

While I don't have an Evo, I have this exact problem on my car with an after market suspension. On mine, it's the upper strut mounts. The struts are rattling in their perches. I would suspect the problem is the same for you, as I don't think this is a problem unique to the 7.

e in la

 

Thanks...so it must probably the top mount. But I will try checking my anti-roll bar bushing and drop link bushing to be sure. My other problem is where to buy that parts as we don't have Evos or even the new Lancers here in the local yet. Might have to order overseas.

 

Are you running a stock suspension? I have TRD Bilstein struts, and the shafts are super thick compared to stock. It has also been suggested that when the oem rubber mount losses some of it's firmness, the shaft rubs up in there, causing a similar sounding rattle. Don't know if you have an aftermarket set up or not. Just trying all possibilities. My guess would still be the upper strut mount, however.

e in los angeles

P.S. Couldn't you try Manilaevo? Doesn't he own or run an aftermarket shop or something?

 

I have an aftermarket suspension as well. I have a Ralliart Sports Suspension that is also height adjustable. I think it's the rubber mount as well since my Ralliart didn't come with a new mount (i used my stock ones). The reason why I don't consult or go to ManilaEvo's shop is because his shop is quite far from my place. Another reason: I do import parts of my own and have them installed at another shop near my office (their competitor)

 

I did the exact same thing (kept the original 3 yr old OEM mounts), and got the rattling approximately 6 months or so after. I recommend ANYONE who is changing/upgrading their suspension to replace their strut mounts when they do. It will save you a lot of headache in the future.

Now I am SURE that that is what it is you are having a problem with. Sounds just like me. Maybe try some polyurethane bushings instead of OEM ?

e in la

 

Ok, at least got that problem solved. Good thing yours lasted 6 months, mine lasted only 3 months. Well, when it was still stock, there's a little bit of rattle already. The roads here are far worse than the roads there so maybe than explains better the early wear and tear of the mount.

I will try to look for the polyurethane bushings. Thanks for the info