Help identifying Click noise over bumps

[GreySquirrel]

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!

 

[paddy wright]

It could be a height level sensor- if you have xenons- that has come loose (I had this on the front)

 

[GreySquirrel]

Thanks, but no xenons here!

 

[RMB]

I have a similar issue and there’s also this recent thread…

Z

Thread 'Rear suspension knock - SOLVED'

May 27, 2026

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...

• Zummerset
• Replies: 44
• Forum: E85 / E86 Z4 discussion

 

[GreySquirrel]

I have a similar issue and there’s also this recent thread…

Z

Thread 'Rear suspension knock - SOLVED'

May 27, 2026

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...

• Zummerset
• Replies: 44
• Forum: E85 / E86 Z4 discussion

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.