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Noisy swedge tubes...(trailing arms)

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aarvig:
Has anyone had any issues develop with clunking/creaking in the trailing arm swedge tubes?  I put about 500 miles on my car and developed a clunking/creaking/rattle noise that I isolated to what I thought were rod ends on the passenger side trailing arm.  I ordered new QA1 rod ends, installed them and the problem went away.  About 500 miles later the exact noise started up again.  If I push the car up and down I can hear and feel the nose in the trailing arm on the passenger side of the car.  I called QA1 and sent them a video of the noise and they said; "Hmmm we've never heard that before." and then proceeded to send me all new replacement rod ends as well as several other sets/styles to try (probably worth about $200 total-very good customer service.)  I haven't installed them yet as I am not convinced the rod ends are the problem.  If I have someone push the car up and down and I put my hands on the rod ends I feel nothing but hear the clunk.  If I have someone push the car up and down and I grab the swedge tube (trailing arm) I hear and feel the clunk.  I jacked the car up...put a rubber hammer to the rod ends...no noise.  Put the same advanced diagnostic tool to the swedge tube and it rattles...even with the lock nuts tightened down.  Does anyone have an explanation for this?

Greg K:
Can't say what it is, but it sounds like changing the tube is next on your list of items to change out? Could the tube have a crack in it? How do the rod ends fit the bolts holding them in place, any play side to side? Anyone bind in rear end, I'm sure you have it squared up, just trying to think of anything it could be.

aarvig:
I ordered new Swedge tubes from a different supplier (Speedway Motors).  When I pull the old one off I will take a peek inside and see if I can see anything.  I'll replace these tonight and let y'all know tomorrow.

Greg K:
Aaron,

Did you end up getting the standard swedged tube or a chromoly one with welded ends?

aarvig:
I went with the standards.  I have tried everything to get the noise to go away.  The car is at a weld shop in northern MN getting some brackets re-welded for the third link.  When they were originally welded the third link bracket on the axle was no where near parallel to the third link bracket on the frame causing a bind...which is making my noise.  Brackets are being cut, aligned and re-welded.

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