Noise from the rear

Hi all, I have fitted new springs and shocks on my defender 90 puma and its making a thumping sound not Metallic! over bumps and speed bumps, Once though it was the bump stops so took them off to check and it still made the same noice replaced with new bump stops, The shocks I replaced with are fox 2.0 and Eibach arb with poly bushes and all new links! This is driving me mad thinking what it could be has the noise was never there before I change everything! And help appreciated.

Might just be because the shocks, being new, have a lot more resistance to movement than the old ones. Check your tyre pressures are not too high as well. Did you replace the springs with ones having the same colour codes as the originals? (there are many different springs available). I have made a note of the colour codes for my springs in case I ever need to replace them.

A frame bushes?

Wimblowdriver said:

Might just be because the shocks, being new, have a lot more resistance to movement than the old ones. Check your tyre pressures are not too high as well. Did you replace the springs with ones having the same colour codes as the originals? (there are many different springs available). I have made a note of the colour codes for my springs in case I ever need to replace them.

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Hi thanks, I replaced them with standard rate terrafirma springs, I have even had them replaced from maltings 4x4 thinking maybe the springs were faulty but after sending replacement ones I still have the same problem, Really strange! I was thinking of putting it on axle stands and checking the arb links to see if it’s that but they are also brand new! Im running out of ideas

Being very careful, remove one rear shock test drive refit, then same for other side.
Old adage goes if the problem was not there before it is something you have done/touched.

I thought all vehicles made a "thump" when going over a speed bump. (except maybe a Bentley or similar).

lynall said:

Being very careful, remove one rear shock test drive refit, then same for other side.
Old adage goes if the problem was not there before it is something you have done/touched.

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I have had them both off when replacing the second set of springs I didn’t drive the car without but I did check and double check the bushes were seated correctly and the shocks are solidly in place plus I wouldn’t think being fox at £160 a pop that their at fault! The front I have no problem with at all!

Wimblowdriver said:

I thought all vehicles made a "thump" when going over a speed bump. (except maybe a Bentley or similar).

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Yes your right but this is a new thumping noise that wasn’t there before!

Clarky68 said:

Yes your right but this is a new thumping noise that wasn’t there before!

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What I was suggesting is with the old shocks there was little resistance to spring movement. New shocks, correct resistance = thump

Clarky68 said:

I have had them both off when replacing the second set of springs I didn’t drive the car without but I did check and double check the bushes were seated correctly and the shocks are solidly in place plus I wouldn’t think being fox at £160 a pop that their at fault! The front I have no problem with at all!

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Never assume new = correct
Be aware the bugger will bounce around a bit, but should be perfectly driveable.

Wimblowdriver said:

What I was suggesting is with the old shocks there was little resistance to spring movement. New shocks, correct resistance = thump

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I guess what your saying could be a logical one thinking about it, If this is the case I don’t suppose there is much that can be done about it, When I go over speed bumps the thump noise is mainly when I drive off the speed bump when the axle is dropping!

Have the anti roll bar links flipped?

GRATCH said:

Have the anti roll bar links flipped?

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What do you mean and how would I know? Thanks.

Clarky68 said:

What do you mean and how would I know? Thanks.

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Take a picture of your rear arb links and post on here.

Anti roll and A frame is all that is left really.
Take the Anti roll bar off and see.

Also post a picture of the top rear shock mounts ... (like this)



Yes i't loose (in my pic) and covered in copper slip, but it shows the correct washer orientation. Is yours the same ?

GRATCH said:

Take a picture of your rear arb links and post on here.

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Thanks I will take a pic on Monday and post for u to look at.

Which way are the arb links......

miktdish said:

Anti roll and A frame is all that is left really.
Take the Anti roll bar off and see.

Also post a picture of the top rear shock mounts ... (like this)

View attachment 254798

Yes i't loose (in my pic) and covered in copper slip, but it shows the correct washer orientation. Is yours the same ?

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Yes I put the original washers back on making sure the curved sides are facing the bush!

Clarky68 said:

Yes I put the original washers back on making sure the curved sides are facing the bush!

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Well that rules that out then ...

GRATCH said:

Which way are the arb links......

View attachment 254799 View attachment 254800

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I think the bottom but can’t be sure till I have a look, Which way is the correct way? Interesting picture and I’m now hoping you have come to the bottom of it