Possible Suspension Problem?

[rieskimo]

My 1997 SC2 has been making a clicking noise strictly while going over bumps(harder or jolty bumps to be more precise). I figured I'd try a simple test to try and get that sound out of my car while it wasn't in motion. I did a Pitch and Yaw test, I pushed the hood down and up a few times(not lightly) and then pushed it from the side a few times(also not lightly). Neither motion recreated a click or any other sound for that matter. It's doubtfully my tie rod ends or control arms(no difference at any speed while turning) and I doubt it's the sway bar links because it didn't make any sound while pushing it side to side... any ideas?

[fetchitfido]

I'd bet it's the _rear_ sway bar end links (you didn't mention shoving the rear end this way and that). ~$30/side and 30 minutes to remove/install (maybe per side, didn't take long when I did it).

[rieskimo]

I would've checked the rear but the sound is very pronounced up front towards the right, as well as it only clicks when the front goes over a bump and stays silent when the rear goes over the same bump. If it was the rear sway bar links I'm sure I would've heard something when I was pushing the whole side of the car.

[MikeNW]

Hmmmm you have:
Spring (strut) bearings
broken spring?
worn strut?
bad ball joint?
Control arm and bushing
"Sway" bar end attachments to CA
tie rods
Steering rack problem?
Really outside the box here > wheel bearings?

I have had a car with struts, it made terrible sounds over bumps, but checked out OK when you did the bounce test. But the struts were shot.

[madpogue]

Next time you do the bounce test, look at the strut top mount as it bounces. If you see one "layer" of it move relative to the other, suspect that mount.