Rear end clunk sound over bumpy road

[Ray Khan]

I’m at 110,000 miles on stock suspension and all original rear suspension components. I’m hearing the commonly reported, loud, clunking sound. It’s been this way for a while and I’m finally trying to get it sorted out. I’ve been searching AZ and other forms and other Audi platforms for ideas on what it could be. I just had my rear shocks replaced with bilsteins including top mounts and bump stops and the shop is saying the noise still exists. The original shocks were both bad so it wasn’t for nothing. No bolts are loose on any suspension parts. The shop checked exhaust and hangers. I’m not seeing anyone mention of control arm replacement or subframe bushing replacement at all on the forums let alone to resolve this type of issue. Any suggestions on next logical step?

[whts4]

Recently had a similR

[2013S4]

Try looking at both inner and outer sway bar bushings are ok if you haven't already.

[whts4]

Recently had a similar experience. Replaced a set of coil-overs that had the left rear unit blow a seal and caused theoud bumping noise. I went back to stock setup, but the sound was just as bad and had more vibration from road noise. I replaced all 4 rear subframe bolts and torqued to spec...noise is gone!

Did you loosen rear subframe bolts to remove rear oem springs? I did, and replacing bolts fixed my issue.

[Ray Khan]

Recently had a similar experience. Replaced a set of coil-overs that had the left rear unit blow a seal and caused theoud bumping noise. I went back to stock setup, but the sound was just as bad and had more vibration from road noise. I replaced all 4 rear subframe bolts and torqued to spec...noise is gone!

Did you loosen rear subframe bolts to remove rear oem springs? I did, and replacing bolts fixed my issue.

Thanks! This is great. It’s also a cheap and easy thing to try.

Shop replaced OEM shocks for bilsteins. Springs were never touched. I might as well get the car back and throw in the subframe mount inserts and new bolts and see what happens.

[Quattro_Gang]

I had the same issue too, Turns out it was my suspension clunking in the rear. (I replaced the rear sway bar and end links before so I know that wasn't it.) After a while, your suspension gets shot. I would get some coil overs since Black Friday is right here it will make your car perform way better. If you are worried about a harsh ride just put the coils to a softer setting. Also, if you hear clunking in the front it's your control arms more than likely.

[Ray Khan]

I had the same issue too, Turns out it was my suspension clunking in the rear. (I replaced the rear sway bar and end links before so I know that wasn't it.) After a while, your suspension gets shot. I would get some coil overs since Black Friday is right here it will make your car perform way better. If you are worried about a harsh ride just put the coils to a softer setting. Also, if you hear clunking in the front it's your control arms more than likely.

Thanks. Rear shocks/upper shock mounts/bump stops are brand new now. Hopefully the new subframe bolts will solve the noise for the rear. The front shocks and front control arms will get done in the spring. I'll do Bilstein shocks up front and most likely keep the OEM front springs as this is primarily a winter/commuter car for me.

[Quattro_Gang]

Thanks. Rear shocks/upper shock mounts/bump stops are brand new now. Hopefully the new subframe bolts will solve the noise for the rear. The front shocks and front control arms will get done in the spring. I'll do Bilstein shocks up front and most likely keep the OEM front springs as this is primarily a winter/commuter car for me.

Did you fix the problem?

[whts4]

ECS sells a nice upper control arm(s) kit including all the bolts needed....about $240 for all 4. Worked great, fyi.

If doing the front you might want also do the lower control arms bc thr lower bushing for the strut mount is also a known weak point.

[omgContra]

Next time you go over a speed bump or see a small bump in the road, go slow enough so you can discern whether it's in the front or rear. If you still hear clunking in the back might be lower or upper control arms?

[Ray Khan]

I’ve tried but the noises are hard to create at slow speed. I’ll do the front control arms and shocks the spring and see how things fare.

I know the new rear shocks, mounts and mount inserts have resolved issues, but they were not the loudest ones.

[omgContra]

If you're gonna do the fronts anyway make sure to replace the strut mount stops. I have front clunking due one being worn. I'll be going with 034s when i change them out. And i was told to change out the lower control arms as well.

[DarrenOman]

Front Shocks and upper spring mount should be first, as this is cheapest and definitely linked to noise, plus improving the handling.
Lower control arms go quicker than the upper, as the have the weight of the car on them.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Quattro_Gang]

I use to have rear passenger side noise from clunking until I replaced the suspension


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine