8k miles on SL suspension and clunking noise started from right rear a few days ago only at slow
02-01-2009, 10:52 AM
#1
AudiWorld Senior Member
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8k miles on SL suspension and clunking noise started from right rear a few days ago only at slow
<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/6080/dsc_0177.jpg"></center><p>
speeds over rough roads, the same as others have described coming from the front of their cars. I took it to the local dealer, they could easily hear the noise but couldn't find the source. I brought it home and decided to look myself and this is what I found. The circular lower end of the shock that mounts over the bushing has a crack in it. I'll be calling tomorrow to get a replacement. For others with the clunking noise I suggest checking this part and also the bushings. The installation instructions state that the mounting bolts should not be torqued while the car is on the lift but only after car is lowered to ride height. I wonder if the installers are really doing this because its more difficult to tighten the mounting bolts when the car is not on the lift.
speeds over rough roads, the same as others have described coming from the front of their cars. I took it to the local dealer, they could easily hear the noise but couldn't find the source. I brought it home and decided to look myself and this is what I found. The circular lower end of the shock that mounts over the bushing has a crack in it. I'll be calling tomorrow to get a replacement. For others with the clunking noise I suggest checking this part and also the bushings. The installation instructions state that the mounting bolts should not be torqued while the car is on the lift but only after car is lowered to ride height. I wonder if the installers are really doing this because its more difficult to tighten the mounting bolts when the car is not on the lift.
02-01-2009, 01:12 PM
#3
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Actually its hard to see the crack unless you remove the mounting bolt and the bushing but I noticed
that the shock end had slipped partially off the bushing so I removed the mounting bolt and then I could clearly see it.
02-01-2009, 04:24 PM
#4
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After getting my Motorsports in the mail, I read the instructions and it says that the suspension
has to be tightened under load. That got me to think that my clunking after my 1st DRC repair was due to the Audi mechanics tightening the lower shock bolts when the car was in the air.
I think that you may be on to something. I was going to install the new suspension tomorrow but may have to wait till i see what the deal with my shock ends are.
This is a great thread. Thanks for posting!
I think that you may be on to something. I was going to install the new suspension tomorrow but may have to wait till i see what the deal with my shock ends are.
This is a great thread. Thanks for posting!
02-01-2009, 07:09 PM
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Here are my thoughts on clunking after 6 DRC shock replacements in total:
It may very well not be the shock. It is most likely the result of hydraulic pressure being below manufacturer's specs. Of course that in itself can be a result of shocks leaking, or either of the 2 cross diagonal valves failing.
In my case I had clunking with 2 severely leaking shocks. All other suspension components were fine. Dealer replaced both shocks, with 0 improvement in clunking. That stayed througout. Valves were not replaced upon first DRC replacement, not sure if dealer re-checked pressure in system.
After 200 miles one of the new shocks started leaking. Initially dealer was going to replace just the leaking one, but AofA asked for him to inspect the pressure on all 4 corners, which came in all cases under spec. As a result, AofA approved 4 new shocks and 2 new valves with the alleged culprit being the valves. So at the end of the day, if your system is not properly drained, vacuumed and pressurized/recharged, you can be driving on brand new shocks you can still get clunking!
In my case I had clunking with 2 severely leaking shocks. All other suspension components were fine. Dealer replaced both shocks, with 0 improvement in clunking. That stayed througout. Valves were not replaced upon first DRC replacement, not sure if dealer re-checked pressure in system.
After 200 miles one of the new shocks started leaking. Initially dealer was going to replace just the leaking one, but AofA asked for him to inspect the pressure on all 4 corners, which came in all cases under spec. As a result, AofA approved 4 new shocks and 2 new valves with the alleged culprit being the valves. So at the end of the day, if your system is not properly drained, vacuumed and pressurized/recharged, you can be driving on brand new shocks you can still get clunking!
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02-01-2009, 07:13 PM
#8
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2nd
underpressure state is a part of this problem, worse when cold, and somehow the low pressure state can result in air being drawn into the system, or so I was told.
Past tense for me, but perhaps you can have a better experience than I did.
Past tense for me, but perhaps you can have a better experience than I did.
02-01-2009, 07:26 PM
#9
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3rd, I agree clunking with DRC is most likely low pressure in the system. Some others on here have
posted about clunking with aftermarket shocks and I think bushings are a likely cause. In the installation instructions it states that the lower shock bolts should only be tightened under load. Tightening the lower shock bolts while on the lift can result in premature bushing failure. I don't know if mine were tightened while under load or not but I suspect some installers don't do it correctly. It is difficult to reach under and tighten the bolts under load especially with a lowered car.