Creaking noise while turning left

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Tofufi
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Joined: 26 Nov 2019 10:05 pm

Creaking noise while turning left

Post by Tofufi » 09 Feb 2020 02:30 pm

Hi folks,

I'm new here, and have an '89/'90 RHD 340 in the UK :)

It's base model spec, but has been modified with a full 360 drivetrain and a B230FT engine with the boost turned up a bit. It goes quite nicely. It also has the factory power steering setup from the 360 donor car, and has these classicswede top mounts:

https://www.classicswede.co.uk/Strut_to ... 23354.aspx

Car is standard height and has standard wheels.

At the moment, I'm getting a problem where I get a graunching noise while turning right. It only happens turning right, and only happens when I'm pushing on a bit through a corner. If I'm driving gently/slowly, it doesn't happen. The noise sounds like metal on metal, and I think it happens even when the steering wheel is being held steady in a constant radius turn...

It sounds like it could be coming from front left corner, but I also will check it's not my exhaust rubbing on the rear driveshaft...

Any thoughts/pointers on what it could be? :)

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SteveP
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Re: Creaking noise while turning left

Post by SteveP » 09 Feb 2020 09:15 pm

Sounds like a cool car!

Ordinarily I'd have said top mounts as they are a known weak point on the 300 series, particularly with the heavier engine in the redblock cars. I believe the classic swede top mounts have a grease nipple for maintenance - worth a shot?

Other suggestion I may have is engine mounts. The turbo clearance with standard engine mounts and even the standard small 13c turbo is very close, it might be rubbing on the engine mount on hard left turns.
1989 - Volvo 360 GLT
1985 - Volvo 360 GLS
2008 - Volvo S60 SE Lux

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bogbasic
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Re: Creaking noise while turning left

Post by bogbasic » 10 Feb 2020 03:09 pm

Ball joint?

Ok, so you get the noise when the steering wheel is not being turned as you turn right.

I'll keep thinking.

Wheel bearing tightness or wear?
1988 340 1.4 GL, 218k, 5 door (Grey Bess). Gone to CBA.
1991 340 1.7 GL, 64k, 5 door, petrol blue (Deep Blue).
1988 360 2.0 GLE, 140k, 5 door, ocean blue metallic (Blue Bess).
1989 340 1.7 GL, 108k, 3 door (Red Ness).
More info here!

Tofufi
Posts: 13
Joined: 26 Nov 2019 10:05 pm

Re: Creaking noise while turning left

Post by Tofufi » 10 Feb 2020 09:21 pm

Thanks for the thoughts folks :)

Steve, I have the top mounts without grease nipples. They're solid mounting, with no compliance, which isn't ideal for a road car in my view. May need to change them at some point. :)

My engine mount, at least on the RHS, isn't a standard 300 item - the engine is mounted onto the crossmember on that side. On the left side it may or may not be a standard item, not sure. I'm only running a 300c turbo.

I'll try to take some decent pictures of it soon and put up a bit of info in the relevant section :)

Bogbasic, thanks for the thoughts. I'll take another look at those!

I also fixed the exhaust today so hopefully that'll eliminate a potential source of the noise...

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SteveP
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Re: Creaking noise while turning left

Post by SteveP » 11 Feb 2020 01:30 pm

Ah, strange - on the Classic Swede website they say they are fitted with grease nipples, perhaps there are two versions?! Unfortunately there isn't much of an alternative for top mounts unless you happen to get a decent used set, but they are a weak point with no OEM style replacement as yet. :(

Unlikely to be the engine mount then if it's had an extra bracket mounted to the crossmember - it is just about possible to run the standard mount with a 13c, but it's very tight - so probably for the best you haven't got the standard mounting.

I am out of thoughts for now...!
1989 - Volvo 360 GLT
1985 - Volvo 360 GLS
2008 - Volvo S60 SE Lux

Tofufi
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Joined: 26 Nov 2019 10:05 pm

Re: Creaking noise while turning left

Post by Tofufi » 11 Feb 2020 08:18 pm

There are definitely two versions :) The ones in my first post don't have the grease nipples, the other type do :) (and also seem to have some rubber to give better compliance. These were on the car when I got it...

Here's a pic of it today, did 100 miles without a hitch.

Image

The new wheels (pictured) give a significant vibration, (there was a bit on the old 14" GLT wheels) so I'm going to get them balanced this week. I'm wondering if the vibration and the horrible noise are linked, as they both seem to come from the front left.

Jobs completed this week include re-securing the rear silencer.

I've also been trying to seal the rear lamps to try to stop water ingress... any tips other than using some sort of flexible gasket sealer? :) (I was thinking Hylomar might work)

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bogbasic
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Re: Creaking noise while turning left

Post by bogbasic » 11 Feb 2020 09:36 pm

Remembered I had a weird graunching sound because the garage used the jacking points, one of which bent and scraped on the rear spring!!
1988 340 1.4 GL, 218k, 5 door (Grey Bess). Gone to CBA.
1991 340 1.7 GL, 64k, 5 door, petrol blue (Deep Blue).
1988 360 2.0 GLE, 140k, 5 door, ocean blue metallic (Blue Bess).
1989 340 1.7 GL, 108k, 3 door (Red Ness).
More info here!

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SteveP
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Re: Creaking noise while turning left

Post by SteveP » 14 Feb 2020 04:02 pm

That's certainly a bit of a sleeper, looks like a stock 340! :D I was about to say the rear box is looking a little low. It also looks like a standard 340 backbox which isn't going to be doing you any performance favours.

It could be the rear boot seal causing water ingress too, but for resealing the rear lights I'd probably look at something that remains flexible, like a windscreen style type of sealant perhaps. Be wary of some silicone sealers as they can be corrosive and cause rust.
1989 - Volvo 360 GLT
1985 - Volvo 360 GLS
2008 - Volvo S60 SE Lux

Tofufi
Posts: 13
Joined: 26 Nov 2019 10:05 pm

Re: Creaking noise while turning left

Post by Tofufi » 17 Feb 2020 07:18 pm

Thanks both :)

Had it up on the ramps the other day and found a loose front wheel bearing - will tighten or replace it when I get a chance and see if it's the cause of the nasty noises!

Also had the wheels balanced and it feels much better at speed. It's scary how fast (and easily) it gets to 100 (kmh, obviously).

:shock:
SteveP wrote:
14 Feb 2020 04:02 pm
That's certainly a bit of a sleeper, looks like a stock 340! :D I was about to say the rear box is looking a little low. It also looks like a standard 340 backbox which isn't going to be doing you any performance favours.

It could be the rear boot seal causing water ingress too, but for resealing the rear lights I'd probably look at something that remains flexible, like a windscreen style type of sealant perhaps. Be wary of some silicone sealers as they can be corrosive and cause rust.
That's the point ;)

I built the exhaust myself - the rear backbox is actually from a Ford Connect (genuine Ford, brand new as I was able to pick it up for free at work) - both the inlet and exhaust are in the front face of it. The tailpipe is just for show, the real exit is behind the LHS rear mudflap...

The backbox is low grade stainless, and the rest is stainless. It's 2" all the way through, and has 3 silencers so it's no noisier than a standard 340/60 :)

I've tried re-sealing the RH light (can't remove the LH one as it's got a spinning captive nut), so will see how that goes!

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SteveP
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Re: Creaking noise while turning left

Post by SteveP » 20 Feb 2020 10:44 am

Haha, nicely done on the exhaust fitment - certainly makes it look more 'stock' with the piddly standard exit. I suspect you might struggle with traction on the original wheels but low grip can be fun :D

Fingers crossed on the wheel bearing, simple fix if it turns out to be that!
1989 - Volvo 360 GLT
1985 - Volvo 360 GLS
2008 - Volvo S60 SE Lux

Tofufi
Posts: 13
Joined: 26 Nov 2019 10:05 pm

Re: Creaking noise while turning left

Post by Tofufi » 13 Mar 2020 05:15 pm

Quick update - took the car out for the first time in a few weeks yesterday - after tightening the wheel bearing. Horrible noise is gone!

8)

May replace the bearing sometime soon, but there's no sign of roughness or play for now. :)

Thanks again for the help! Last job now is to re-do the exhaust to reduce banging on the underbody over bumps :oops:

Traction on the 13"s is fine in the dry so long as you're smooth. I have 185mm wide Hankook tyres on the back which are nearly new and grip rather well :D

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bogbasic
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Re: Creaking noise while turning left

Post by bogbasic » 14 Mar 2020 03:53 am

Epic work. If the bearing works, I'm sure its still awesome.

After all, a good old one is better than a cr*p new one.

;-0
1988 340 1.4 GL, 218k, 5 door (Grey Bess). Gone to CBA.
1991 340 1.7 GL, 64k, 5 door, petrol blue (Deep Blue).
1988 360 2.0 GLE, 140k, 5 door, ocean blue metallic (Blue Bess).
1989 340 1.7 GL, 108k, 3 door (Red Ness).
More info here!

Ride_on
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Joined: 26 May 2009 05:34 pm
Location: Belfast, N. Ireland

Re: Creaking noise while turning left

Post by Ride_on » 03 Apr 2020 12:11 am

Nice sleeper, did you keep the 340 struts?

For this noise, exhaust is usually the culpret for me, touches the chassis rail. It goes between the chassis and steering column.
1980 345 DL_______1987 360 GLE (project car restored to GLT spec and B230FT'd)
1984 360 GLT______1987 360 GLT
1983 360 GLS______1989 360 GLE
1985 340 GL_______1986 340 1.4
1985 360 GLS______1995 940 SE 2.3 Turbo Estate (daily)
1987 340 GL 1.7

Tofufi
Posts: 13
Joined: 26 Nov 2019 10:05 pm

Re: Creaking noise while turning left

Post by Tofufi » 25 Jun 2020 06:10 pm

Ride_on wrote:
03 Apr 2020 12:11 am
Nice sleeper, did you keep the 340 struts?

For this noise, exhaust is usually the culpret for me, touches the chassis rail. It goes between the chassis and steering column.
Sorry for the slow reply!

Yes, I believe it has 340 struts with 360 springs :)

My exhaust does clonk a little over big bumps, but that was a totally different noise :)

Ride_on
Posts: 2262
Joined: 26 May 2009 05:34 pm
Location: Belfast, N. Ireland

Re: Creaking noise while turning left

Post by Ride_on » 03 Jul 2020 10:56 pm

The red block weight is better with 360 struts, camber is different.
1980 345 DL_______1987 360 GLE (project car restored to GLT spec and B230FT'd)
1984 360 GLT______1987 360 GLT
1983 360 GLS______1989 360 GLE
1985 340 GL_______1986 340 1.4
1985 360 GLS______1995 940 SE 2.3 Turbo Estate (daily)
1987 340 GL 1.7

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