Front end "crashing" noise - solved?

[jwight]

RE: the thread on other shocks for the 451

Just saw this on usainsider:

Our crash sound is solved. Out local Tech found that there is a problem with lubrication of the front suspension 'shackles'. They are essentially dry from the fatory. This causes the nasty sound when they are cold and try to flex. They break the hold in such a way that they generate the nasty crashing sound. Now that ours are lubricated, the crash sound is gone. Kind on interesting affect when they are dry, but now we can drive over bumps or speed bumps when the car is cold without having to change the britches when they let loose and scare the living crap out of us and standers by..

Any idea what the shackles might be, lubrication requirements, etc? News to me.

[cubefx]

Originally Posted by jwight

RE: the thread on other shocks for the 451

Just saw this on usainsider:



Any idea what the shackles might be, lubrication requirements, etc? News to me.

Is that smart with "bottomed out" sound?

[jwight]

Yes, latest post in that thread after the dealer looked at it.

[fastturb]

are you sure this was regarding the 451? in my past shackles are for leaf springs and I never lubed them unless they were noisy from wear. I thought the early fortwos had a front leaf that was later changed to the current suspension.

[ladybugb]

This is very interesting. I was the one who posted about the awful sound coming from the front end and had taken it to the dealer several times with still no fix. Once again, let me say that they have been great at the Smart center, but I picked up my car from the service center and it seemed fine. Few days later, the same awful sound...Major frustration setting in!
But with this discovery, I may take it back and see what they say.
It's just that I know this sound is not the normal sounds I've heard for the past 22 months of owning my Smart and "Gary" sounds like he's in pain.
Also, thanks to all you SCoA folks who've already responded with possible answers to the front end noise.

[eqwalker]

I believe that I am hearing the same thing. I noticed it on real cold mornings especially if I am coming down a hill and am braking and hitting bumps. It sounds like to me rubber bushings that are dry and creaking as the car bounces up and down. Mine are only doing it when descending down a hill and braking which is putting more downward pressure on the front end. The sound is definitely coming from the front end suspension. I only notice it in the morning when it is real cold. I'm going to see if I can take a look underneath and locate it, and if so, I will see about lubricating them.

[chieftmc]

I don't have no stinkin' "shackles" on MY front suspension,

how can I lube it

[LTDThree]

I don't have no stinkin' "shackles" on MY front suspension,

how can I lube it [/QUOTE]
I am sure Shackles are for leaf springs and not for coil springs which the smart has

[chieftmc]

Originally Posted by LTDThree

I am sure Shackles are for leaf springs and not for coil springs which the smart has

My point exactly

Sooo................what IS it we are supposed to lube

[Old smart]

Just back from Kane H. (Evilution):

"No idea what he is talking about with shackles but I'd be interested to know because I sometimes get a noise on 1 side of the front when going over bumps but not always. Try and find out (ie with a picture) where they lubricated, I'd be interested in trying it myself."