Clunk - is it my subframe?

[spex]

I hear a clunking noise, particularly during sharp, slow turns over a steep grade change. I also hear it when driving over aggressive speed bumps. Saw some discussion about subframe bolts stretching for Mk5 and Mk6 VWs, but nothing specific to A4. Could that be my issue?

Background:

• Noise started after installing Eibach Pro Springs, Bilstein Sport shocks, new MeyleHD front control arms and RS4 rear sway bar
• New strut mounts
• 2006 A4 2.0T quattro with 95K miles

[b6onboost]

The clunk is likely related to the suspension re-install. Popping and clunking noises are common after swapping suspension components if a bolt wasn't torqued properly or was torqued down without a load on the suspension. If they loosened or adjusted the sub frame, it could be one of those bolts too.

Only other thing it could possibly be is that one of your motor mounts is worn out (based on mileage).

[1killera4]

Upper control arms.

[spex]

Work was done by a reputable local shop. They re-torqued components and things seemed better for a day or two. Clunks are back now. Wondering if that points to subframe bolts that no longer stay tight and need replacement? Is that likely with an A4?

[Okedokey]

Take it back and get them to look at it then.

I would also look at the RSB install. Did you upgrade the endlinks?

[spex]

Yes, Meyle end links were included with the front control arm upgrade.

[vce1232000]

I think he is referring to the RSB endlinks

[APR_Fast]

Take it back to them. have one of the techs ride along with you and replicate the noise.

[Okedokey]

Yes, Meyle end links were included with the front control arm upgrade.

Yes ;)

[mtroxel]

Just because it was a shop doesn't mean they did it right. I hope they tightened the bushing bolts when there was weight on the car. If you tighten them when they're hanging, then at rest they have stress on them. When they're being flexed, they really have stress on them.

[spex]

I think he is referring to the RSB endlinks

I did not upgrade the RSB end links. Taking it into the shop on Monday. I'll post what I find out.

[adam044]

I've got a similar noise that started when I put in my ST's about 2 weeks ago with the right rear. It's fine driving on a flat road and sometimes its fine going over bumps but other times its this weird rattling/clunking noise. Just sounds like something is loose. I jacked the car up today and theres no movement in the wheel up/down or side/side.

I'm wondering if it's my subframe since the bolts had to be loosened to install the ST's.

[Denio24]

I've got a similar noise that started when I put in my ST's about 2 weeks ago with the right rear. It's fine driving on a flat road and sometimes its fine going over bumps but other times its this weird rattling/clunking noise. Just sounds like something is loose. I jacked the car up today and theres no movement in the wheel up/down or side/side.

I'm wondering if it's my subframe since the bolts had to be loosened to install the ST's.

I would replace all subframe bolts as those are TTY, and double check all torque settings on control arm bolts & shocks.

[jerseybrian]

have you popped out your outer tie rod and felt play?

[adam044]

No I haven't. I'll stop by the shop on Monday so they can throw it up on the lift, it will take them a few seconds to figure out what it is.

[krewbrew]

I have been chasing a clunk that seems to move around the car for several months. It seems to be rear sway bar related. Just posted about it (034 Rear Sway Bar Noise).

[adam044]

Right there before my B5 was totaled my rear sway bar end links were going bad and making some noise. The current sound I'm getting from my car however does not sound like this so I don't think it's the sway bar. I'm guess it's just something that isn't fully tight unless I screwed up some suspension part trying to get the ST's in. I had an inspection done right before I swapped to coilovers so everything was good before that.

[adam044]

Well they found my problem. Not only were the front bolts on the right side loose the upper mount but was completely missing a nut. Found it on the subframe no idea what happened there.

As for the noise in the rear the top nut that holds the shaft seems to be loose allowing the shaft of the strut to move a little. Which means the entire strut needs to come out.

[vce1232000]

Well they found my problem. Not only were the front bolts on the right side loose the upper mount but was completely missing a nut. Found it on the subframe no idea what happened there.

As for the noise in the rear the top nut that holds the shaft seems to be loose allowing the shaft of the strut to move a little. Which means the entire strut needs to come out.

Sounds like you F U C K E D ing them..........lol

[adam044]

Sounds like you F U C K E D ing them..........lol

Big time. Guess that's what happens after 6+ hours and the sun starting to go down.

[mtroxel]

Big time. Guess that's what happens after 6+ hours and the sun starting to go down.

Can happen when your buddies Bud and Weiser help out a bit too much.

[adam044]

Well I checked the nut this weekend and it was tightened to what it was suppose to be at (18.5lbs) still getting the same noise. Subframe bolts were checked and both are tight as can be.

I don't know the best way to describe the noise. Just a rattle noise over certain bumps, kinda like something is bouncing around in the trunk. (yes I already checked the spare) noise happened after I put the ST's in. Maybe I just have a noisy coil.

[Darthbunnylove]

This thread is super old but did you ever sort this out? I have a very similar description for my strange suspension sound. It mostly manifests at lower speeds over imperfect road textures like gravel, ground pavement, tar snakes, or other small texture changes. I see many threads end without resolution when it comes to this specific type of sound.

[blakefife]

I finally sorted out the issue with the clunking noise after I did full front end rebuild. I re-used the 4 big “stretch” bolts that run thru the bushings of the subframe and they were not torqued all the way. I really had to put a 4ft half-inch bar and socket on all 4 bolts, plus the other 2 per side up in front that ties to the motor mounts. I was able to get 1/4-1/2 turn out of all of them. Test drove. Most clunking noise was gone. Only when i turn left and right did it make noise now. Looked under front wheel wells with someone turning wheel back and forth slightly. Saw that my powersteering rack was loose from the 10mm bolt above in the water tray under the battery. Tightened that sucker. Put a 15mm wrench on the upper control arm bolts that mount to top shock mount, tightened those using 15mm and 16mm on the end for a bit of leverage. Set it back down on ground. Drove it. NOISES ARE GONE!!! Thing drives like the day I bought it too :)