Onward / Precedent - Clunks, Creaks, Clicks

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Still trying to pin down some occasional noise coming from undercarriage and / or frame of our factory lifted Onward.

It may be 2 different noises, but they sound similar.

One seems to be axle assembly moving in relation to cart, as sometimes stopping quickly can make a quick creak or pop, then accelerating again can make a similar noise (as it presumably moves back). Not all the time though.

I removed rear wheels and tightened the u-bolts very tight (were not loose to start with). Don't think it really made a difference. I suppose I could get another 1/2 turn on them with a pipe over the socket wrench handle though, but they are pretty darn tight. Don't think I want to put an impact on those to tighten...

I greased the leaf spring bushings a while back, and that didn't make a difference either.

So something seems to be moving just a little, but nothing visible on inspection.

I think the second noise is more the frame flexing in the rear when going slowly over uneven surfaces (left wheel higher or lower than the opposite side). Similar sound to the first noise described - a quick pop or creak, not a longer noise, but more plastic-sounding than the first noise. Actually loosening the large coarse threaded torx screws holding the upper bagwell on seemed to reduce the chance of hearing it, but I can't be sure.

There seems to be a lot of flex in these carts, but I guess it's part of the design. The rear plastic frame cross piece is bolted to the 2 aluminum "frame rails" and there is significant flex when one wheel is higher or lower than the other - whatever is moving around must be causing the quick "pop" or creak, but its hard to pin down. The plastic cross piece is tightly bolted to the aluminum rails - in fact I put a larger washer on the plastic side to provide more grab on the plastic.

The noises aren't loud - it probably wouldn't register to others riding in the cart, but it bugs me and since it happens fairly predictably it has to be fixable or at least improvable, so any help from those familiar with these carts in locating or remedying it would be appreciated!

[AquaLuke]

I chased the same sounds you're describing on my Onward for weeks after I bought it. It turned out to be the heim joints on the front end suspension. I occasionally have to spray some grease or oil on the joints and all is good for a couple of months.

Every cart is different but it may be worth a try.

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Originally Posted by AquaLuke

I chased the same sounds you're describing on my Onward for weeks after I bought it. It turned out to be the heim joints on the front end suspension. I occasionally have to spray some grease or oil on the joints and all is good for a couple of months.

Every cart is different but it may be worth a try.

Thanks,

Yep - I had that noise in the front also and cured it the same way you did.

Quite a few noises I've tracked down and squelched, but the quick clunks in the rear or undercarriage area have been persistent for me.