lowered '14 MKS w/H&R's...but having problems

[Slantnose!]

Hello.
I'm new here, just found this site & need help.
We went thru the dealer for our first service & had them install the H&R springs...
..figured they know the car best & would be a straightforward job.
Car looks great & seems to ride ok...but we've now got a terrible squeaking/creaking sound when turning the steering wheel.
Didn't have it before, only has 38xx miles & of course their service department is blaming the springs for the noise.
So, guess my question is if anyone else has gone thru this, know what it could be & how to fix.
Thank you.

[Sabtaj1]

Looks great.  I have read some on the flex forum mention having this issue as well.  It seems to have something to do with the paint/powdercoating on the springs.  Like it sticks and releases to the upper strut mount.  That may be what is happening in your case. 

[jtoddk98]

How much did they charge you for the install if I may ask?


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[Slantnose!]

Thanks, will look into the spring coating...but it's only making noise during a turn, not on bumps.
The final charge was about twice what was quoted...got out of there for $799.95.

[SHOdded]

Also look into possibly needing to "grease" the strut mount bearings, if the springs don't settle into place soon.  They seem to get dirty over time.  Tap into H&R's support also.
http://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/topic,2759.html

[Slantnose!]

Good information...thanks for sharing.
Have been in communication with H&R thru Tirerack & they believe something with the assembly most likely the bearing or bumpstop, possibly needing lube also.

[11BLKFX4EB]

I'm having the exact same issue on my '14 SHO. Its driving me crazy...I went and bought some Blaster Lube and I'm going to try and see if I spray that on the upper rubber piece, if that eliminates it. I'm wondering if another thing I noticed is the issue. If you pop off the center rubber grommet that is on the center of the strut tower, I noticed the metal from the strut is actually pushing up on the center of the strut tower. I'm wondering if that is the noise. I'll run out and get a picture...

[geswek]

I have 50k miles on my springs. It's been doing it since day 1. I've pretty much given up on it.


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[11BLKFX4EB]

Anyone else's look like this? Looks like mine is rubbing

[Slantnose!]

Thanks for posting that picture...is that top part where you think the noise is coming from?
I'll check out mine & see if looks the same...wonder if trying to maintain stock alignment specs has anything to do with it?

[ShoBoat]

Anyone else's look like this? Looks like mine is rubbing

Mine looks like that and makes no noise.


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[11BLKFX4EB]

Thanks for posting that picture...is that top part where you think the noise is coming from?
I'll check out mine & see if looks the same...wonder if trying to maintain stock alignment specs has anything to do with it?

I thought it might be but since SHOBOAT doesn't have the noise, maybe not. SHOBOAT, have you lube the rubber pads on yours? I was reading about you saying to lube the bearing. Where is that? At the top nut?

[ShoBoat]

Thanks for posting that picture...is that top part where you think the noise is coming from?
I'll check out mine & see if looks the same...wonder if trying to maintain stock alignment specs has anything to do with it?

I thought it might be but since SHOBOAT doesn't have the noise, maybe not. SHOBOAT, have you lube the rubber pads on yours? I was reading about you saying to lube the bearing. Where is that? At the top nut?

Give me a few I'll post up some pics.


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[ShoBoat]

Ok here goes, there is a bearing between the rubber mount and the steel hat on the top of the strut.

The only way to clean and lube this is with the strut out of the car. Otherwise your just going to make a mess. These are my winter set. As you can see they have not been cleaned and are quite dirty. If the bearing binds it will cause the spring to chatter, squeak ..... This is easier when the H&Rs are on the car as the load on the top bearing is not really there one the car is off the ground and it can be turned without disassembling the strut.  The rubber mounts must be clean and dry. No lube on the rubber seats, otherwise the springs will slide around in the seat and cause squeaking also.



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[Slantnose!]

Those pictures are helpful.
Just wonder since my car is relatively new & low mileage, if same thing was possible upon reassembly here?
Think the dealer did spray lube on the rubber spring seats...
...also, is it possible that this is slightly binding-up the steering?
Drove car yesterday & seems like the steering wheel doesn't quite return back to center like before.