New squeak/creak in cowl area since installing Bilstein PSS

[TEB]

So, it's been a couple weeks since my Bilstein PSS C/O install (also did front control arms at the same time). I was hoping this would go away, but seems to be sticking around. Before this install, I had no noticeable interior creaks or rattles at all. Now I have a squeak/creak which seems to be coming from the base of the windshield on the driver's side. I don't think it's temperature dependent as it was in the 80's when I completed the install and the noise hasn't changed now that a cold front has come in.

It occurs both with bumps and when turning hard right. I'm assuming the stiffer springs have exposed something or is causing additional body flex, but possibly something in the suspension itself (driver's side upper shock mount, perhaps?). Anyone have this same issue?

[arrogntbastrd06]

I'd venture to guess that it is a combination of elements. Stiffer suspension drives force through chassis, which in turn flexes more. Old rubber is now exposed to more force, so it makes noises. And the temperature has dropped, which will harden rubber and shrink metal causing more issues with tolerances in moving parts. I can tell you that my car is near silent in the 80+ summer, but moans like a freaking 100 year old sea vessel when the temp drops below 30 in the winter.

My Impreza experienced the same symptoms when the suspension was stock. Now that it is not (coils, sway bars, braces, etc.) it creaks like a freaking Ikea bed frame.

As long as you are not hearing any banging, significantly audible cracking/popping or dragging/grinding sounds... I'd say you will just have to live with it!

However,

Let me know if you do identify the root cause.

[TEB]

As a follow-up: a week later, and the noises have almost completely gone away -- really seems back to how it was before the suspension work. I can only assume settling and/or temperature cycles have resolved it. I'm happy again.

[arrogntbastrd06]

As a follow-up: a week later, and the noises have almost completely gone away -- really seems back to how it was before the suspension work. I can only assume settling and/or temperature cycles have resolved it. I'm happy again.

good stuff