Rear coil spring insulators

[PaulF]

Hello all

I have just replaced my rear rear springs on the NS Pajero after one broke!!! I have done a straight swop (King Springs). I noticed that the lower insulators were in a pretty bad state but pressed ahead in any case. I am now getting the occasional "clunk" from the rear end and I was wondering whether I should have replaced the flogged out insulators? I am assuming they prevent metal to metal contact, but some people say they only prevent road noise and are not essential. Has anyone had the same issues?

I broke the spring when I jacked up the car off the rear diff support to replace the back breaks - I assumed as they had done over 200,000 kms I should not have been surprised that they broke!! In replacing the springs I followed the various instructions posted on the forum, which was great. Other than perhaps replacing the rear insulators, is there anything else I should be looking out for?

Kind regards, Paul

[aussieintas]

Is the clunk happening when driving along over bumps, potholes etc. If so it may well be the insulators......also what was the condition of the upper insulators. They stop metal on metal contact and not just road noise.

[old Jack]

With a body on chassis construction like the Challenger there are no coil insulators top or bottom on the rear coils but on the Monocoque constructed Pajero there are coils insulators installed top and bottom. Top insulators are pretty robust but the bottom insulators wear out very quickly, genuine MM rubber insulators last the longest and to date we have not been able to find a more durable alternative.


OJ.

[twisted32]

With a body on chassis construction like the Challenger there are no coil insulators top or bottom on the rear coils but on the Monocoque constructed Pajero there are coils insulators installed top and bottom. Top insulators are pretty robust but the bottom insulators wear out very quickly, genuine MM rubber insulators last the longest and to date we have not been able to find a more durable alternative.


OJ.

Not sure about that OJ, I have not had any issues since changing to the Polytuff polyurethane lower isolators with the EHD springs.

[old Jack]

Not sure about that OJ, I have not had any issues since changing to the Polytuff polyurethane lower isolators with the EHD springs.

Well you kept that a secret, problem is it has been a long time since we have had a catch up or trip together. NJswb, M&M and Pajero 12 all need new bottom coil rubbers so it looks like some more suspension working bee(r)s!

OJ.

[geopaj]

Well you kept that a secret, problem is it has been a long time since we have had a catch up or trip together. NJswb, M&M and Pajero 12 all need new bottom coil rubbers so it looks like some more suspension working bee(r)s!

OJ.

Add me to the list needing new bottom coil insulators!

[old Jack]

Add me to the list needing new bottom coil insulators!

That would be a big day, 8 rear coils lower spring pads to change in a single day, might need to be another pizza and beer suspension day! 3 rear suspension is our current record!

OJ.

[PaulF]

...thanks all for the advice - I didn't check the condition of the upper insulators but I have bitten the bullet and ordered upper and lower replacements. This will be my third set of insulators - not bad for a vehicle that has done 330,000kms and has done five 'tours of duty' to the Cape!!!

I ordered the replacement insulators from Kieron at bushskinz4x4.

Kind regards, Paul

[Dunk]

...thanks all for the advice - I didn't check the condition of the upper insulators but I have bitten the bullet and ordered upper and lower replacements. This will be my third set of insulators - not bad for a vehicle that has done 330,000kms and has done five 'tours of duty' to the Cape!!!

I ordered the replacement insulators from Kieron at bushskinz4x4.

Kind regards, Paul

On my NH l used some hose l split down the middle put on spring worked perfect cheap alternative though on my NW get proper insulators

[Backpaje]

A few years ago now i replaced originals with the Bilstein Lovells setup in MD. Ever since the rear top of springs have squeeked like mad over speed humps etc. I found the springs are wider in the top coil to that of the housing and therefore rubbing on the outer edge of the springs and nothing to do with the top insulators that are in good nick.......
Worth a look.

[NTBenny]

^^^^^ I believe this is exactly what my rear Lovells are doing. Any sharp bump and they squeak. I replaced the upper and lower spring insulators with the PolyTuff items on the weekend and I could clearly see the chaffing of the spring tops on the suspension upper steel work. Sadly the new insulators have made no improvement to the squeaking. Bugger! Has raised the rear of the car approx. 10mm though. My OEM bottom insulators were shot.

Benny

[geopaj]

^^^^^ I believe this is exactly what my rear Lovells are doing. Any sharp bump and they squeak. I replaced the upper and lower spring insulators with the PolyTuff items on the weekend and I could clearly see the chaffing of the spring tops on the suspension upper steel work. Sadly the new insulators have made no improvement to the squeaking. Bugger! Has raised the rear of the car approx. 10mm though. My OEM bottom insulators were shot.

Benny

I bet it’s the handbrake shoe squeaking. It’s not an uncommon issue for Gen 4 Pajs

[NTBenny]

Hmmm that's a thought. Might have to take a look at them. Squeaking did seem to start after I installed the springs though.

For those looking to replace their rear spring insulators the PolyTuff part numbers are MC0147K (Upper) and MC0148K (Lower). They are thicker than the OEM units and look like they should last. Time will tell though.

http://www.polytuff.com.au/#

Benny.

[geopaj]

Hmmm that's a thought. Might have to take a look at them. Squeaking did seem to start after I installed the springs though.

For those looking to replace their rear spring insulators the PolyTuff part numbers are MC0147K (Upper) and MC0148K (Lower). They are thicker than the OEM units and look like they should last. Time will tell though.

http://www.polytuff.com.au/#

Benny.

Find a section of road where the squeak is repeatable, and drive it while putting some pressure on the handbrake (enough to provide some resistance and thus remove the free play from the handbrake shoes).

If the squeak stops, it will confirm it’s the handbrake shoes.

[NTBenny]

Thanks very much for the tip, I will try that.

Benny.