Bumpstops are rubber or polyurethane devices that protect your vehicle from "bottoming out". Bottoming out occurs when the suspension is fully compressed. This compression often leads to metal contacting metal, typically between suspension components and the vehicle unibody. Although the actual location of installation varies by vehicle, a bumpstop provides protection by cushioning the components when extreme compression occurs.
Determine if your vehicle is equipped with bumpstops. Most vehicles are. Bumpstops are black rubber shapes (often squares or circles) that are mounted on top of control arms or near suspension springs. Some bumpstops are installed onto the shock piston as well. Over time, the factory bumpstops can tear off or come apart, but you still will be able to see the mounting locations. Check the other side of the vehicle if you cannot locate the bumpstops.
Replace old bumpstops with fresh ones. Factory bumpstops are typically secured with bolt nuts and washers. Remove old bumpstop brackets and install new ones. For bumpstops that are mounted on the shock housing, you need to remove the coil spring to gain access, which requires a spring compressor. You can rent spring compressors for little to no charge from large automotive supply stores.
Confirm that the bumpstops are working to stop metal-on-metal contact. If you lowered your vehicle's suspension, you may have altered suspension geometry. If so, the suspension may be bottoming out in a different location than where the factory bumpstops were located. In this case, you will need to engineer a bumpstop solution at the new contact point. Use high-strength adhesives and place circular pads in the new locations, or drill mounting holes. Bumpstops are made in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. For custom applications, check your options at a local automotive supply store.
