Just installed the SR springs and GT500 strut mounts from AM a couple of weeks ago...install went fine, no issues. I turned the strut mounts around backwards (180 degress) to hopefully regain some camber. I haven't been in for an alignment yet, waiting on the springs to fully settle after a couple hundred more miles. Here's my question - last night pulling into the garage (my driveway is on an incline, then levels out into the garage) I heard a "pop" as I crested the incline going into the garage. I came in a little hot into the garage, I generally go slower but came in fast last night...first time I've heard any sort of noise out of it. I don't hear anything when driving, I hit some pretty good bumps on the way to work or the gym normally. Is this something in a bind or what is going on?

 

Most likely your sway bar end links didn't get tightened enough, I'd recommend retightening them with some loc-tite. If your car is higher mileage it may be time just to replace them with some beefier links as they may be stretched out.

It is unlikely, but when my upper strut mounts gave out they began popping under hard accel and braking. if that becomes the case you may want to inspect the upper strut mount bearing.

 

The Strut mounts have a notch so you know which way to install them. I would think that not installing them correctly (i.e. 180 degree out of position) may cause problems.

Set the strut mounts in the correct position and see if that fixes your problem. If it does, then get Caster/Camber plates to get your camber adjustment how you want it.

Also, did you tighten everything down with the suspension loaded?

 

I'll 2nd the swaybar endlink(s) not being fully tightened. I had a similar issue, a pop turning left occasionally. I tightened the endlinks(actually, replaced them with the newer oem style ones that are easier to torque to spec since mine's an 06) and the pop was gone.

 

Only 25K on the car, and the GT500 strut mounts are brand new. I read a ton about the strut mounts being mounted 180*, no one has mentioned any sort of issues.

Suspension was not loaded when I tightened things up. Are you talking about the vertical "piece" that is behind the strut? That thing was a PITA to get tight, so that may be it. Mine is an '06 as well. I might try to get in there and double check tightness on those bolts. Do you have a link to the newer parts?

 

I would suspect the swaybar end links as well. They make a lot of noise/popping if even a little loose. Also, you most likely don't need to rotate the GT500 strut mounts with the SR Springs. We didn't have to do that with any of our 05+ Mustangs sporting SR springs, were the alignments require camber bolts.

Hope this feedback helps!

Shane

 

Thanks for the feedback Shane. I'm planning to try and get the car into the stealership next week for an alignment check and oil change. I can get an oil change there for $30 - I can't buy the oil and filter for that.

 

Sorry I dont' have the part number for the new end link(and yes that'st he part). But the parts counter person should be able to help as that's the only one they carry now.

FYI You'll need new nuts as well cause they changed the thread pitch on the new endlinks.

 

Thanks AM sells some aftermarket ones (adjustable) for ~$100; likely cheaper than OEM Ford. I'll check next week at the stealership though.

EDIT: just checked rockauto, there are some MOOG/DEEZA ones for less than $50 if I don't need adjustable. Seems like I need adjustable since I'm lowered...

 

Can't go wrong with a $30 oil change at the dealership!

Let me know how the alignment goes. I'm interested to see if they keep the strut mounts reverse mounted. Or if they mention you need camber bolts.

Shane