After complete suspension replacement, crazy things started to happen

[PeteCT]

I replaced the whole front suspension, literally everything. Thought, great times about to happen! but..

I went to a shop for an alignment and asked them to tighten any loose bolts or whatever to make sure I did everything correct. They aligned it twice. First time they drove my truck into a wall which was a one kind of story, finally they aligned it but what I noticed when I start driving or slow driving I hear metal clank sound, also scary sound when I turn left or right (even when stop) right about "all the way" it's like break a metal piece or something.
So driving the truck is kind of nightmare and I just wanted to address it before the wheels will fall off. Any advices really appreciated

 

[swathdiver]

I replaced the whole front suspension, literally everything. Thought, great times about to happen! but..

I went to a shop for an alignment and asked them to tighten any loose bolts or whatever to make sure I did everything correct. They aligned it twice. First time they drove my truck into a wall which was a one kind of story, finally they aligned it but what I noticed when I start driving or slow driving I hear metal clank sound, also scary sound when I turn left or right (even when stop) right about "all the way" it's like break a metal piece or something.
So driving the truck is kind of nightmare and I just wanted to address it before the wheels will fall off. Any advices really appreciated

That's quite a story Pete, tell us about the wall! How fast were the knuckleheads going? Could they have bent the frame? Have you put a camera or sound recording device underneath to try to pinpoint where the sounds are coming from?

 

[OR VietVet]

Put on a drive on rack, one person at the steering wheel and in the air, another person under the front to watch and listen when turn the steering wheel lock to lock. Inspect as needed. Look for any damage to components or frame from the drive in to a wall fiasco. Look for any parts that are causing the noise and could it have been the installer?

 

[Rocket Man]

List all the parts you replaced and brands. We need to know exactly what “ literally everything “ is. And there’s some cheap brands out there that should never be used for steering or suspension.

 

[Bill 1960]

Yes, please list exactly the parts as suggested above.

Also, did you use a torque wrench when tightening your fasteners?

What year is the vehicle, and is it 2 or 4wd or AWD?

Was it clanking during the time AFTER you replaced the parts and BEFORE the shop did the alignment?

 

[OR VietVet]

Also, bear in mind that some components need to be torqued to spec while the full weight is on the ground instead of it suspended in the air.

 

[PeteCT]

That's quite a story Pete, tell us about the wall! How fast were the knuckleheads going? Could they have bent the frame? Have you put a camera or sound recording device underneath to try to pinpoint where the sounds are coming from?

Well it was the slowest kiss to the wall but I had to repaint the bumper (I entertain myself with it).
No, nothing was touched. Just the whole bumper paint was stripped.

 

[PeteCT]

List all the parts you replaced and brands. We need to know exactly what “ literally everything “ is. And there’s some cheap brands out there that should never be used for steering or suspension.

I usually buy Detroit Axel stuff over those years (~5) and they hold okay.

Changed:
Upper & Lower arms.
Hubs.
Struts Assembly.
Ball joint assembly.
Lower ball joint.
Sway bar stabilizer link.
Tie Rods.
CV Axle Driveshaft.

New rotors and brakes but it's not related.

I hope I didn't miss anything.

 

[PeteCT]

Also, bear in mind that some components need to be torqued to spec while the full weight is on the ground instead of it suspended in the air.

It's interesting. I didn't know. Will double check.

 

[PeteCT]

Yes, please list exactly the parts as suggested above.

Also, did you use a torque wrench when tightening your fasteners?

What year is the vehicle, and is it 2 or 4wd or AWD?

Was it clanking during the time AFTER you replaced the parts and BEFORE the shop did the alignment?

I used torque and followed the chart.

4WD.

They didn't hit the car like hit, just didn't realized that this is a big truck so they turned not sharp enough and scratched off the paint from the front bumper.

 

[Rocket Man]

I usually buy Detroit Axel stuff over those years (~5) and they hold okay.

Changed:
Upper & Lower arms.
Hubs.
Struts Assembly.
Ball joint assembly.
Lower ball joint.
Sway bar stabilizer link.
Tie Rods.
CV Axle Driveshaft.

New rotors and brakes but it's not related.

I hope I didn't miss anything.

That’s a brand that I’ve heard horror stories about, some of their parts completely and horribly failing like ball joints that completely separate or hubs that come apart. There’s been several members here who have had these issues. I would be inspecting everything of theirs you installed and see if something is coming apart. Steering and suspension isn’t something I would ever go cheap on. You know the old saying, you get what you pay for. Good luck.

 

[PeteCT]

That’s a brand that I’ve heard horror stories about, some of their parts completely and horribly failing like ball joints that completely separate or hubs that come apart. There’s been several members here who have had these issues. I would be inspecting everything of theirs you installed and see if something is coming apart. Steering and suspension isn’t something I would ever go cheap on. You know the old saying, you get what you pay for. Good luck.

Interesting. I guess I will need to do a full inspection on what is going on. Will go to local firestone or whatever, will ask them to inspect.

 

[OR VietVet]

If I may, I want to chime in with one thing here. "Go to a local Firestone or whatever"? Really. Find a shop you trust and stick with them. They are not all the same. Independent shops have great techs that you can build a relationship with. If you like Firestone, by all means, go there. An inspection is needed by a QUALIFIED TECH no matter where you go. If they find something, make them show you what is bad and document document, especially for warranty with those crappy parts from Detroit Axle. Like @Rocket Man said, lots of threads here about poor quality parts from them.

 

[PeteCT]

I get the point, I just fix everything myself except situations like that so building "relationships" is pointless in that sense. I just needed to pull it up on the lift to see what the hell is going on.


So far, results are. Rear left Axle wobbling vertically so it cause the sound which I mixed with the front, and bushings on the balancer have a gap which makes sound as well (start, stop).

Also, Rocket Man was right, Detroit Axle sent me a broken piece, rotor on the driver's side was wobbling due to slight curve (yes, crazy right), I got new ones from a local store and everything is good except left rear axle and bushing on the balancer.
Thanks for being here guys, it pointed me in a right direction.

 

[davidavidd]

I replaced the whole front suspension, literally everything. Thought, great times about to happen! but..

I went to a shop for an alignment and asked them to tighten any loose bolts or whatever to make sure I did everything correct. They aligned it twice. First time they drove my truck into a wall which was a one kind of story, finally they aligned it but what I noticed when I start driving or slow driving I hear metal clank sound, also scary sound when I turn left or right (even when stop) right about "all the way" it's like break a metal piece or something.
So driving the truck is kind of nightmare and I just wanted to address it before the wheels will fall off. Any advices really appreciated

My little contribution: Detroit axle ball joints and tie rods have a very, very bad reputation. I had a bad experience on the freeway years ago with this brand, then I did my research and it didn't just happen to me.

The hit against the wall (no matter how small) could have misadjusted something, how about visiting a store where they can measure the chassis side to side? Years ago, I also had a similar problem with another truck where various parts of the front end were damaged by a faulty hydraulic lift, enough to cause strange noises and a jerk when braking.

 

[PeteCT]

My little contribution: Detroit axle ball joints and tie rods have a very, very bad reputation. I had a bad experience on the freeway years ago with this brand, then I did my research and it didn't just happen to me.

The hit against the wall (no matter how small) could have misadjusted something, how about visiting a store where they can measure the chassis side to side? Years ago, I also had a similar problem with another truck where various parts of the front end were damaged by a faulty hydraulic lift, enough to cause strange noises and a jerk when braking.

Thanks David!
I will look around. I spoke to a few local folks but it look like the understand even less than I am in this truck. Still looking

Also, I shaved down one of the sides of the bolt holes on the right knuckle it may cause some problem as well. I purchased a brand new one, hopefully it will work out.

On top of it, rear right wheel has some vertical play on a lift. I was wondering if this is axle or rear lower arm or hub. Hmhmhmh.

 

[Rocket Man]

Thanks David!
I will look around. I spoke to a few local folks but it look like the understand even less than I am in this truck. Still looking

Also, I shaved down one of the sides of the bolt holes on the right knuckle it may cause some problem as well. I purchased a brand new one, hopefully it will work out.

On top of it, rear right wheel has some vertical play on a lift. I was wondering if this is axle or rear lower arm or hub. Hmhmhmh.

I hate to say it and I know it’s not what you want to hear, but I’d replace every piece of that Detroit Axle stuff with ACDelco OEM or equivalent. It might cost a bit but you might end up in a bad accident because something falls apart on the freeway if you leave that junk installed. It’s happened with their parts, I have read of several people having catastrophic failures.

 

[PeteCT]

I hate to say it and I know it’s not what you want to hear, but I’d replace every piece of that Detroit Axle stuff with ACDelco OEM or equivalent. It might cost a bit but you might end up in a bad accident because something falls apart on the freeway if you leave that junk installed. It’s happened with their parts, I have read of several people having catastrophic failures.

You are right. Honestly, it doesn't feel safe on the road driving it, whatever is going on there.

Agree, seems like "this is the way"

 

[avalonandl]

Find an alignment shop with good repuation, have them check it.
If any of those front hubs are not fully seated correctly then your suv will drive strange.

 

[exp500]

PeteCT- reading the posts and Nobody mentioned Rear Axle Bearings and Seals from post#14. That is why your truck feels snakey. Quit worrying about the front end for a bit and fix the rear before you drive it again or you are likely going to see your axle and tire pass you as the truck drops to the pavement.