Knocking exhaust/suspension when loaded

BettyBongo · Post by **BettyBongo** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 9:10 pm

Does anyone have the same problem when their Bongo is loaded, it sounds like the exhaust is knocking on the underside of the van when riding over speed bumps or rough roads, is this a problem with suspension and can it be rectified

bongomountainbiker · Post by **bongomountainbiker** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 9:20 pm

I have exactly the same problem. I've had mine lowered 50mm when i had my alloy wheels fitted. The van sat too high (in my opinion) above the wheels, so i had it lowered.
I thought this was the cause of my bottoming out when loaded.....maybe not then.
Is yours lowered? And if someone knows the answer to stop this i'll be v happy.

brorabongo · Post by **brorabongo** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 11:05 pm

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antz · Post by **antz** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 11:08 pm

why dont you just load the back up with some people, get underneath with a torch, and see whats making the noise? then just mark it, if its an exhaust - take it to the exhaust shop and get them to reroute it, its not a big job, especially because im guessing itll be around the back, if its something else, move it, or chop it out. imagine how many knocking problems you get when you REALLY lower a bongo, then you have to extend brake lines - because the diff is too far up, have to remove bumpstops or modify them, etc, small things like exhausts is a minor.

if your not sure whats hitting, take it to an exhaust shop and once up on the hoist, theyll be able to see the marks from where it was hitting, and theyll be able to tell you straight up.

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Wed Aug 29, 2007 4:42 pm

Chances are its a perished or stretched rubber hanging mount for the rear box,it will probably need replacing.

All i had to do to my lowered bongo was half the size of the bump stops,re-fit, job done

bongomountainbiker · Post by **bongomountainbiker** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 5:42 pm

But why only when its loaded??
If it was exhaust surely it would do it all the time as the load shouldn't affect where it hangs.........I'll go and have a wiggle around but it does sound more sinister (louder) than an exhaust.

Paul_Windsurfer · Post by **Paul_Windsurfer** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 8:10 pm

Sounds like the rubber stops on the suspension. These are 4 inch pieces of rubber attached to the underside of the body just behind the suspension spring that stops the rear axle touching the body. IOften happens because of the Bongo's soft suspension.

I had this and quickly inserted Spring Assisters. Not a peep from them since and rear passengers prefer the ride.

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 12:15 am

Are your assisters the rubber strips between the coils Paul or are they airbags?

Paul_Windsurfer · Post by **Paul_Windsurfer** » Sat Sep 01, 2007 7:28 pm

Yes they are the rubber strip between the coils. Got a pair of GR14's off ebay for £22 and after boiling, a bit of washing up liquid they fitted so easily. Time was really that of taking the wheels off for easy access.

Surprised how good the ride is afterwards and now she doesn't bottom out even when fully loaded.[/img]

bongomountainbiker · Post by **bongomountainbiker** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 9:52 pm

Thanks very much Paul........ I'll see if i can find some. Am i right in under standing that these slip inside the rear spring coils?? And then do they just sit in there rather than attach to something?

I'll have a look on ebay now.........did you do the Forest of Dean Charity mtb ride on yesterday? Sun 2/9.

bongomountainbiker · Post by **bongomountainbiker** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 9:57 pm

Just looked on ebay and don't really know what i'm looking for.......found some bump stops for a VW??

Can anyone point me in the right direction.........please

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 10:55 pm

Don't get ripped off on evilbay - towsure do them for a third of the price...........
http://www.towsure.com/product/400-Spri ... _18mm-25mm

Paul_Windsurfer · Post by **Paul_Windsurfer** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 8:52 pm

Hi Bongomountainbiker.

There was a hint of wind so I went windsurfing instead. Went for a ride on Lecky and Cranham with my son on the Saturday - bit slow - but good to get him out doing some exercise.
See spring picture in this thread http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... suspension
.
Failing that I'm happy to show you mine in situ on my bongo. I live leckhampton side of Cheltenham.

Damn, missed that Towsure price which is v. good although I went for the 26-38mm sort - the next size up - as per the thread above.

bongomountainbiker · Post by **bongomountainbiker** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 8:55 pm

Cheers both, I wasted an hr and a half of my life tonight trying to combine a pair from Halfords in Gloucester and Cheltenham as I wanted to fit them in time to travel to Looe for Bongo Bash on Friday night........

Glos had an odd pair and Chelt had an individual that would have made a pair if they could have found it!!!

Still the mission continues.........we'll wait and see.

Thanks for the pics and hyperlinks - seems straight fwd now - thanks again.

bongomountainbiker · Post by **bongomountainbiker** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 8:48 pm

Graystons Spring assisters GE14 (25 - 35mm I think) did the job. Recommended for every bongo. Not only has it stopped mine going bump but its seriously changed the ride to extra smooth!!!

For only £20 from a caravan shop, 30 min fitting, they are gr8

Thanks all for the advice...........