Help identifying Click noise over bumps - SOLVED!

GreySquirrel

GreySquirrel

Member
 Torquay
I have been trying to find the source of a clicking noise that I am getting from my car when going over speed bumps or uneven surfaces. It is a short sharp click that happens when the suspension loads up again after coming off a bump. It seems to be mainly coming from the rear right wheel area, but when driving it sometimes sounds like it is the front, or even the left rear.

Before it started, I changed the rear shocks, but I have checked all the mountings, and they are fine. I also put new ARB droplinks on the front and back, as I thought that's what it was, but there was no change. I replaced the rear ARB bushes at the same time.

I got my son to drive over a plank of wood while I listened to it from next to the back wheel, and it is definitely coming from the wheel area. Bouncing the car doesn't replicate it.

It doesn't sound bad, but it's loud enough to be annoying. Any ideas appreciated!
 
It could be a height level sensor- if you have xenons- that has come loose (I had this on the front)
 
I have a similar issue and there’s also this recent thread…

Z

Thread 'Rear suspension knock - SOLVED'

Hi guys,

After refurbing all the rear suspension on my E86, including dropping the subframe and replacing all suspension and subframe bushes, I was annoyed to find a knocking noise.

The dampers are new Bilstein B4's and I'm running new SE springs.

General consensus pointed towards the damper top mounts. Originally new Febi bilstein, I swapped to the recommended Lemforder. Still knocking.

I bought some polyurethane mounts (Bevinsee) and tried them. Still knocking and louder due to the firmer mounts.

It's definitely to do with the damper unit as a short, bouncy drive round the block...
 
RMB said:
I have a similar issue and there’s also this recent thread…

Z

Thread 'Rear suspension knock - SOLVED'

Hi guys,

After refurbing all the rear suspension on my E86, including dropping the subframe and replacing all suspension and subframe bushes, I was annoyed to find a knocking noise.

The dampers are new Bilstein B4's and I'm running new SE springs.

General consensus pointed towards the damper top mounts. Originally new Febi bilstein, I swapped to the recommended Lemforder. Still knocking.

I bought some polyurethane mounts (Bevinsee) and tried them. Still knocking and louder due to the firmer mounts.

It's definitely to do with the damper unit as a short, bouncy drive round the block...
Click to expand...
Yes, I've seen that one before, and reading it again, it makes a lot of sense. Maybe I will give that a try; it seems a little counterintuitive to drill the metal sleeves in a top mount, but I can see how it may allow the shock to tighten up more and take out any free play that could cause the click noise.

It really does sound like it's coming from the wheel, though! Wouldn't the noise from a top mount be centred around the top mount area? This noise is only apparent with the roof down.
 
So, turns out it was the top mounts! Or possibly the strengthening plates that I had added to the top of the mounts.

I had fitted Febi top mounts when I changed the shock, so I ordered Lemforder ones, as they are supposed to be OEM quality. I fitted them today, removed the metal strengthening plates, and went for a test drive. And it's fixed! No rattles, clicks or other nasty noises.

I just need to re-fit the parcel shelf supports and shelf now, which will probably take longer than removing and replacing the shocks!
 
GreySquirrel said:
So, turns out it was the top mounts! Or possibly the strengthening plates that I had added to the top of the mounts.

I had fitted Febi top mounts when I changed the shock, so I ordered Lemforder ones, as they are supposed to be OEM quality. I fitted them today, removed the metal strengthening plates, and went for a test drive. And it's fixed! No rattles, clicks or other nasty noises.

I just need to re-fit the parcel shelf supports and shelf now, which will probably take longer than removing and replacing the shocks!
Click to expand...
And aren't those shelf clips fun! Unless you are Mr Tickle or your elbows bend the wrong way, it's really not very easy. I found a good position to replace them once, but I couldn't find it this time!
 
GreySquirrel said:
And aren't those shelf clips fun! Unless you are Mr Tickle or your elbows bend the wrong way, it's really not very easy. I found a good position to replace them once, but I couldn't find it this time!
Click to expand...
Simple!
Kneel on the drivers seat, remove the wind deflector, raise the shelf. Reach over and pop them in. Takes about a minute.
Don’t kneel on the passenger seat as you may upset the occupancy sensor pad.
NB. I’m left-handed. It may take more common folk a bit longer 🤣🤣🤣
 
enuff_zed said:
Simple!
Kneel on the drivers seat, remove the wind deflector, raise the shelf. Reach over and pop them in. Takes about a minute.
Don’t kneel on the passenger seat as you may upset the occupancy sensor pad.
NB. I’m left-handed. It may take more common folk a bit longer 🤣🤣🤣
Click to expand...
I'd heard that kneeling on the seats could damage the heated seat elements, and as I've only just fitted them, I was keen to avoid this! I found that I can reach in from the door side and just about reach the forward clips. The rearmost ones can fairly easily be done from the boot side with the shelf in the lowest position. I always use a small screwdriver to pull their little ears to make sure the clips are fully seated!
 
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