4RINGSx3

After recently getting my 95.5 S6 out of extended storage I've decided to once again try to resolve the front suspension noise issue I've been experiencing. For the sake of brevity I won't repeat all the detail here since it's in earlier posts in this thread. Car is equipped with H&R Sport springs & Bilstein B8 Sport struts/shocks; currently do not have any broken front springs (has been an issue...see prior posts). Also, to date attempts to contact Bilstein technical people to discuss this problem have been unsuccessful.
One thought is that due to lack of bump stops when B8 frt struts are used (per Bilstein install instructions the B8 frt strut has an internal bump stop thus OEM bump stop is discarded) that this is causing the frt suspension to bottom out and make the noise. Solution would be to obtain new OEM bump stops (I understand they're like a donut) and cut off/"shortened" it by the amount the frt suspension is lowered and install in its OEM position.
Any thoughts on this as a solution? Other thoughts regarding cause of this problem are welcomed as well.
In advance...Thanks & Merry Christmas to all.

UrS4boy

Not back through this but Item 36 suspension strut bearings have been failing. The center metal furrel separates from the rubber, especially on cheap Chinese parts. Something from Febi/Bilsteint will work fine. Forget Meyle. Can be changed from the top in about 20 minutes per side. Use this DIY as a guide Click HERE

4RINGSx3

Dave,

As always THANKS for your reply. The last set of frt strut mounts & bearings were installed in May 2012 @ 139K miles (car now has 144K miles; as I previously noted its been in extended storage). I purchased those strut mounts (4A0412377C) & bearings (4A0412249) online from Audi Westwood (Prime Motor Group) in Westwood, MA so I would think they were OEM parts. I do recall in one of your previous posts about a potential issue with the bearing not being installed properly; have no idea if this is the case in my situation.

I remain baffled by this problem. Should I consider a new set of strut mounts & bearings again? Found this frt shock strut accessory kit at Blauparts... Audi S6 Shock Strut Accessory kit – Front Audi S6 95-96 . Know anything about mfgr of these mounts? I also found Febi/Bilstein ProKit 37874 which includes mount, bearing and mounting hardware (appears to be nuts only).

Also, when I originally installed the Bilstein B8 shocks & H&R Sport springs (Oct 2001 @ 73K miles) I had the frt camber plates modified a la "Igor" plates. Should I consider 2Bennett's camber/caster adjustment system? My 245/40x17 summer tires have managed to wear a small hole in the plastic fender liner (vertical surface behind tire) due to tire rubbing (suppose this happened when making turns).

Thanks again for your insight.

UrS4boy

Post 26 is my story about the improperly installed ball bearing. Avoid Blau they are selling made in China price point parts. Not quality parts that will last. Your tire size is actually slightly shorter than the OE 225/50/16s. The issue is is the 240 width that is rubbing when you go full lock, typically during a parking manouver, backing up. Live with it.