AE111 Carib Rear Shock Noise + Steering Rack Sound

[SEdan]

Hey there chaps.

First post here, have been on NZH for years, but have since bought a Toyota so figured I better talk to you fellas!

I have an AE111 Carib BZ Touring and when I bought it, it had F***** shocks in the back. I've since replaced them and swapped the springs over (which are fully captive) however I still have this insanely annoying rattle/mechanical sound in the left rear strut. It sounds like something is loose, however I've been under the car, I've checked all the nuts and bolts and nothing seems out of place. It sounds like how i'd imagine a shock would sound if you didn't do up the top 3 nuts (however they are obviously all done up). It doesnt make any noise when it's big plunging compressions (speed bumps etc), more when it's just a jittery rumble strip kind of vibration, or poxy road work where it's very short and sharp changes.

Second, the steering rack makes a kind of groaning sound sometimes. It seems to occur more when the car is cold. If I pull the steering wheel towards me while im turning it, it doesn't seem to make the noise. Any suggestions? Could it be the universal/cv on the rack? Or the little nylon collar on the steering column? Any ideas would be appreciated!

I paid very little for the car and I'm mechanical so I'm not too concerned, but I'd just like to get them sorted.

Cheers

[1I1]

What are the sway bar links and mounts like?

[Dell'Orto]

^+1. Super common

[Boosted_162]

Mine seems to make a similar noise in the front, should I look to the swaybar as well? Seems a similar noise to my old terrano when the swaybar bushes went. Haven't had a chance to look under it yet.

[SEdan]

What are the sway bar links and mounts like?

A good point.

The mounts looked and felt fine when I was under the car, however I'm not sure of the links... They SEEMED fine, but there was a tiny bit of grease weeping from them.

Ill get some new ones.

[SEdan]

I've replaced the sway bar links - this has not remedied the problem.

The roll bar mounts are absolutely fine.

Everything else is tight as a drum - there is no slop in the wheel bearing/ball joints etc.

It's driving me crazy - I just cannot solve this one!

[SEdan]

Problem solved. Interestingly, both the knackered shock I removed, and the one I put back in, were both missing the little steel collar that sits between the shock and the top hat.