Clunking noise coming from the rear in low speed maneuvers

[rs4dreams]

I've researched rear clunking noise and a lot of results seem to point to suspension components (control arms, etc.)

My car is a 2013 with the AK, Eurocode bars and endlinks. I installed sway bars 2 months ago and haven't heard this noise until 2 days ago.

The clunking seems to be happening more during turns and almost exclusively at low speeds. Going over bumps and uneven road doesn't seem to induce this clunking. When I turn around a sharp corner slowly in a parking garage, for example, there is a periodic clunk (sounds metallic, every 1-2 seconds) coming from the rear. Also happens when I straighten out the wheel sometimes and go straight, mostly at low speed.

I suspect it may be a leaking sport diff, but I haven't had the chance to look under the car.

Has anyone else experienced this? I'm gonna scan for codes with VCDS tonight and take it to the dealer tomorrow.

EDIT: I should add: I'm at 14200 miles.

[bbhbba]

I have similar small knocking noise coming from the rear. I have same setup as you and USS+end links were installed less than 2 weeks ago. It happens more often when I'm backing up slowly, <5mph. I don't think it'd be the sport diff as it started after USS was installed. I'll get down there and re-check all bolts this weekend to see if anyhing is loose.

[trinacria]

I have similar small knocking noise coming from the rear. I have same setup as you and USS+end links were installed less than 2 weeks ago. It happens more often when I'm backing up slowly, &lt;5mph. I don't think it'd be the sport diff as it started after USS was installed. I'll get down there and re-check all bolts this weekend to see if anyhing is loose.

I'm on stock suspension and have same noise when backing slowly. I have SD an 43k on odo.

[rs4dreams]

Just stopped by a shop and they told me my stretch bolts for the Eurocode sways/links loosened up. Apparently, it's been happening occasionally. They re-tightened them and the noise is gone.

[drob23]

Good to hear, I just did the install a week or so ago and the noise is pretty bad (had a hard time torquing the front end links while on ramps), I'll get under there this weekend and make it proper.

[Info@EuroCode]

Just stopped by a shop and they told me my stretch bolts for the Eurocode sways/links loosened up. Apparently, it's been happening occasionally. They re-tightened them and the noise is gone.

Glad to hear it all worked out.

[David@EuroCode]

I'm on stock suspension and have same noise when backing slowly. I have SD an 43k on odo.

We have had 3 cars on stock suspension doing the same exact thing but have not been able to narrow it down. :(

[grnfool]

Looks like I'll be tightening bolts this weekend. Would Loctite help?

[David@EuroCode]

Looks like I'll be tightening bolts this weekend. Would Loctite help?

These are stretch bolts, if installed torqued to spec and stretched correctly they will not back out and no loctite should be required.

[trinacria]

We have had 3 cars on stock suspension doing the same exact thing but have not been able to narrow it down. :(

Yeah Dave, that's why I chimed in. I don't think this has to do with your bars or end links.

[rs4dreams]

These are stretch bolts, if installed torqued to spec and stretched correctly they will not back out and no loctite should be required.

Perhaps I'm not understanding fully, but something doesn't add up. I had the clunking from the rear, took it in to Achtuning, who did the original install of my sways/endlinks and they said that the stretch bolts were loose. Did they need to use a new set of stretch bolts since they needed to re-tighten them?

Also, what could have been the cause of them coming loose in the first place? It happened about 2 months after the original install. After they re-tightened them, I've had no clunking.

Also, I am still getting high-pitched squeaking from the rear on some drives though, even though the shop said that the endlink bearings were greased up well. Could something else related to the bars/links be the culprit there?

[SwankPeRFection]

Perhaps I'm not understanding fully, but something doesn't add up. I had the clunking from the rear, took it in to Achtuning, who did the original install of my sways/endlinks and they said that the stretch bolts were loose. Did they need to use a new set of stretch bolts since they needed to re-tighten them?

Also, what could have been the cause of them coming loose in the first place? It happened about 2 months after the original install. After they re-tightened them, I've had no clunking.

Also, I am still getting high-pitched squeaking from the rear on some drives though, even though the shop said that the endlink bearings were greased up well. Could something else related to the bars/links be the culprit there?

Is it EuroCode stuff you have on? If so, it wouldn't be the first time a full metal ball joint sway endlink decided to squeak after usage. Why do you think Audi doesn't put them on the car as OE?... Because everyone would be bitching that their 50k car squeaks too much. People that buy performance cars will sometimes even bitch that their brakes squeak because they're performance disks/pads. It's hard to find that happy median.

Also, as a personal question... If it is EuroCode sways you have, are yours the ones where they took the bar and just pinched the ends closed (not welding them)? I've seen pics of those and because of that construction, there is a chance for water to get in where the hole for the screw is and also the very end of the bar and cause some rusting... this could also lead to some squeaks. Take a closer look.

[rs4dreams]

Is it EuroCode stuff you have on? If so, it wouldn't be the first time a full metal ball joint sway endlink decided to squeak after usage. Why do you think Audi doesn't put them on the car as OE?... Because everyone would be bitching that their 50k car squeaks too much. People that buy performance cars will sometimes even bitch that their brakes squeak because they're performance disks/pads. It's hard to find that happy median.

Also, as a personal question... If it is EuroCode sways you have, are yours the ones where they took the bar and just pinched the ends closed (not welding them)? I've seen pics of those and because of that construction, there is a chance for water to get in where the hole for the screw is and also the very end of the bar and cause some rusting... this could also lead to some squeaks. Take a closer look.

Yup, I've got the EuroCode stuff on and happy with them overall. I can live with the occasional squeaking for the added performance it offers. Eurocode seems to claim that they shouldn't make any noise though and it appears that most people don't have this issue. Also, my fronts don't squeak.

Not sure what you mean by pinching vs. welding, but it looks welded to me: link

[SwankPeRFection]

Yup, I've got the EuroCode stuff on and happy with them overall. I can live with the occasional squeaking for the added performance it offers. Eurocode seems to claim that they shouldn't make any noise though and it appears that most people don't have this issue. Also, my fronts don't squeak.

Not sure what you mean by pinching vs. welding, but it looks welded to me: link

Yes, those look welded in those pics as if they changed the design on the ends to better meet what a properly built sway bar should look like. Take a look here... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98m0GdhVIQ4 Those are also EuroCode sways, but I'm betting an older design. Can't say which ones you have, but it was worth a mention since I too had the same concerns with the original design of their product.

[BzzzBom]

I have had Eurocode sways and end links for about one year on my 2013 Audi S4. I had to replace the rear end links about six months ago and the front ones a few weeks ago. Apparently the bearings can become loose and cause the suspension knocking noise. The noise goes away as soon as they are replaced. After looking at the OEM end links I'd rather live with occasional noise with the EC links.

[SwankPeRFection]

I have had Eurocode sways and end links for about one year on my 2013 Audi S4. I had to replace one rear end link about six months ago and one front one a few weeks ago. Apparently the bearings can become loose and cause the suspension knocking noise. The noise goes away as soon as they are replaced. After looking at the OEM end links I'd rather live with occasional noise with the EC links.

Or we could complain to EC about it and have them correct the design issue with them that's causing this problem. They aren't the only company in history to design solid metal endlinks with ball joints that have metal to metal contact, but they seem to be one of the ones that have noise problems with them. I'd vote on inferior metal or bearing usage or poor geometry in the design as the cause for this. It's certainly something EC should go back and figure out what to do to correct it for future customers.

[David@EuroCode]

Is it EuroCode stuff you have on? If so, it wouldn't be the first time a full metal ball joint sway endlink decided to squeak after usage. Why do you think Audi doesn't put them on the car as OE?... Because everyone would be bitching that their 50k car squeaks too much. People that buy performance cars will sometimes even bitch that their brakes squeak because they're performance disks/pads. It's hard to find that happy median.

The rod ends we use do not squeak as they are teflon coated, they can and will make a clonking noise only if the teflon coating has shifted or time has taken its tole and created radial play. The factory rubber piece collapses after about a year or two and stops doing its job as intended. The design of the factory bars cause the links to sit cocked when attached to the shock fork causing the bushing to deform prematurely. The design on the bar can't be changed as it wold cause it to interfere with other components on the vehicle. This means that although the factory droplinkis do not make noise, its deflection behavior as a result of the collapsed sections cause it to no longer be predictable and require replacement just as the spherical ends. The only difference is that the factory bushing while damaged can be driven on for 200K and wont make noise or alert you that they have been shot for the last 170K. The benefit of the spherical end is that it will still do its job just as intended even when it gets noisy. Replacement cost of the EuroCode rod end rebuild kit is less than what it costs to replace the factory droplinks.

Also, as a personal question... If it is EuroCode sways you have, are yours the ones where they took the bar and just pinched the ends closed (not welding them)? I've seen pics of those and because of that construction, there is a chance for water to get in where the hole for the screw is and also the very end of the bar and cause some rusting... this could also lead to some squeaks. Take a closer look.

There is no such squeaking that will take place as a result of any water entering the crimped ends of the sway bars. From the thousands of bars sold world wide from the arctic to south east Asia not a single complaint of squeaking other than when the bushing were not lubed correctly or just needed to be re-lubed as they became dry over time.

[David@EuroCode]

Yes, those look welded in those pics as if they changed the design on the ends to better meet what a properly built sway bar should look like. Take a look here... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98m0GdhVIQ4 Those are also EuroCode sways, but I'm betting an older design. Can't say which ones you have, but it was worth a mention since I too had the same concerns with the original design of their product.

We had too many bars being rejected during QC as a result of the crimped ends not being perfect, this made us go with a solid forged end to have better consistency and less rejects.

[David@EuroCode]

Or we could complain to EC about it and have them correct the design issue with them that's causing this problem. They aren't the only company in history to design solid metal endlinks with ball joints that have metal to metal contact, but they seem to be one of the ones that have noise problems with them. I'd vote on inferior metal or bearing usage or poor geometry in the design as the cause for this. It's certainly something EC should go back and figure out what to do to correct it for future customers.

We use only the highest grade bearings and rod ends made 100% in the united states by FK Bearings. These bearings not only have the highest radial load possible for their size, but also do not carry the same teflon coating as the run of the mill FK part, additional provision have been made to ensure a better end user experience.

With that said we do not design nor manufacture rod ends or bearings. These bearings do not have metal on metal contact- there is a teflon coating on the inside of every race. There are no geometry issues with the parts designed and no inferior metal was used to manufacture these parts, only certified aluminum. We tested several other brand rod ends back in 2009 when we first acquired our B8 and ended up using FK. Although they are the most expensive they were also the product which passed our 40K mile test the best using our 4 in house B8/B8.5 vehicles. At one point we had 4 different rod ends simultaneously on the same car each end of every link on both sides were different allowing us to cycle all four through the same scenario.

As noted previously all spherical bearings will develop radial play over time causing the ball end to move and make noise, this typically takes place over 1-2 years of use.

Below pasted from a previous post with regards to the factory links.

This means that although the factory droplinks do not making noise, the deflection behavior as a result of the collapsed sections would cause it to no longer be predictable and require replacement just as the spherical ends. Only difference is that the factory bushing while damaged can be driven on for 200K and won’t make noise or alert you that they have been shot for the last 170K. The benefit of the spherical end is that it will still do its job just as intended even when it gets noisy. Replacement cost of the EuroCode rod end rebuild kit is less than what it costs to replace the factory droplinks.

[Leor604]

Prior to may last track day, I took my car in to a local Audi indy shop to diagnose some front suspension noise. I suspected (and they confirmed) the EC end links. While I fully accept this is part of the deal when you start to replace factory parts (where NVH is of prime concern), I was hoping to get more than one winter and 6 track days out of these (they've been rattling since the spring). The noise is most obvious when the links are unloaded, i.e. travelling on a straight road with small bumps.

David, what is the cost of the rebuild kit? I want to get this done as I'm tired of my wife saying my car sounds like a bucket of bolts every time I go over a manhole cover. Even if rebuild is an annual thing, I would still never to back to the stock bars/links.

[David@EuroCode]

Prior to may last track day, I took my car in to a local Audi indy shop to diagnose some front suspension noise. I suspected (and they confirmed) the EC end links. While I fully accept this is part of the deal when you start to replace factory parts (where NVH is of prime concern), I was hoping to get more than one winter and 6 track days out of these (they've been rattling since the spring). The noise is most obvious when the links are unloaded, i.e. travelling on a straight road with small bumps.

David, what is the cost of the rebuild kit? I want to get this done as I'm tired of my wife saying my car sounds like a bucket of bolts every time I go over a manhole cover. Even if rebuild is an annual thing, I would still never to back to the stock bars/links.

Track days put far greater stress on the links and thus will cause them to develop radial play much sooner. This is true for every parts of your car when tracking it. My general rule of thumb for track days is that each day is the equivalent of putting 10K on the street.

As for the pricing on the kit I'm going to have Greg respond to that tomorrow, he was putting a SKU together. For the last three years we have not had anymore more than a hand full of requests for replacement, but as the kits get older it's come time. He should have it all up and available by the end of this week.

[s4buckeye]

Track days put far greater stress on the links and thus will cause them to develop radial play much sooner. This is true for every parts of your car when tracking it. My general rule of thumb for track days is that each day is the equivalent of putting 10K on the street.

As for the pricing on the kit I'm going to have Greg respond to that tomorrow, he was putting a SKU together. For the last three years we have not had anymore more than a hand full of requests for replacement, but as the kits get older it's come time. He should have it all up and available by the end of this week.

David:

Aside from suspension components, tires and the clutch, what other specific components do you think one track day puts on the equivalent of 10k street miles?

[Leor604]

Track days put far greater stress on the links and thus will cause them to develop radial play much sooner. This is true for every parts of your car when tracking it. My general rule of thumb for track days is that each day is the equivalent of putting 10K on the street.

As for the pricing on the kit I'm going to have Greg respond to that tomorrow, he was putting a SKU together. For the last three years we have not had anymore more than a hand full of requests for replacement, but as the kits get older it's come time. He should have it all up and available by the end of this week.

Perfect, thank you David.

Yeah, we all know that tracking is stressful on the car. Every time I finish a track day I feel a little guilty about what I'm doing to my nice car. That feeling lasts about a day and then I'm anxiously looking forward to the next one. I guess there are worse things to be addicted to, lol.

[David@EuroCode]

David:

Aside from suspension components, tires and the clutch, what other specific components do you think one track day puts on the equivalent of 10k street miles?

Suspension would consist of Shocks, Control arms, strut mounts & wheel bearing, the steering rack, tie rod ends, sport differential, differential mount, engine mount & transmission mounts all take a beating.

[David@EuroCode]

Perfect, thank you David.

Yeah, we all know that tracking is stressful on the car. Every time I finish a track day I feel a little guilty about what I'm doing to my nice car. That feeling lasts about a day and then I'm anxiously looking forward to the next one. I guess there are worse things to be addicted to, lol.

Right there with you on that, I've been tracking Audi's since 2002 and have never looked back. It is an expensive hobby for sure, but one that I'm very proud of.

You have not driven a car until you have taken to the track at least once!

[BzzzBom]

Are the end link replacement kits available yet?

[bbhbba]

I have similar small knocking noise coming from the rear. I have same setup as you and USS+end links were installed less than 2 weeks ago. It happens more often when I'm backing up slowly, <5mph. I don't think it'd be the sport diff as it started after USS was installed. I'll get down there and re-check all bolts this weekend to see if anyhing is loose.

I thought I'd give the B8 S4 community an update. I got a chance to put the car on a lift and re-checked all the nuts and bolts and everything was nice and tight. The knocking noise turned out to be coming from the tire pressure gauge (http://www.amazon.com/Joes-Racing-32...rds=tire+gauge) in my trunk . After I secured that tire pressure gauge, there has been NO MORE knocking sound. While searching for the source of the knocking sound, EuroCode has been nothing to truly great and helpful. Two thumps up to them!!

[BzzzBom]

I thought I'd give the B8 S4 community an update. I got a chance to put the car on a lift and re-checked all the nuts and bolts and everything was nice and tight. The knocking noise turned out to be coming from the tire pressure gauge (http://www.amazon.com/Joes-Racing-32...rds=tire+gauge) in my trunk . After I secured that tire pressure gauge, there has been NO MORE knocking sound. While searching for the source of the knocking sound, EuroCode has been nothing to truly great and helpful. Two thumps up to them!!

Eurocode has also been great helping diagnose and fix my end link clunking noise

[David@EuroCode]

I thought I'd give the B8 S4 community an update. I got a chance to put the car on a lift and re-checked all the nuts and bolts and everything was nice and tight. The knocking noise turned out to be coming from the tire pressure gauge (http://www.amazon.com/Joes-Racing-32...rds=tire+gauge) in my trunk . After I secured that tire pressure gauge, there has been NO MORE knocking sound. While searching for the source of the knocking sound, EuroCode has been nothing to truly great and helpful. Two thumps up to them!!

That is too funny. Thank you for the kind words!

We work hard at supporting our customers as without each and every one of you there would be no EuroCode!!!

[Brooklyn]

Getting it here too on stock suspension. Of course, I'm at 51k.

[David@EuroCode]

Getting it here too on stock suspension. Of course, I'm at 51k.

Thanks for sharing this info, as with all components factory or aftermarket nothing will last forever.

Wonder how SwankPeRFection is going to respond to this one.

[BzzzBom]

Going in to Eurocode tomorrow to have David drive and check my car. I am still getting a creak / slight clunking noise when backing out of my driveway or driving at slow speeds over an uneven surface. The noises are more pronounced after I have been driving for awhile.

[willyspub]

Are the end link replacement kits available yet?

Same question. I have the same clunking noise others have described here, presumably from the end links (tightened up the stretch bolts and the sounds remain). I too get the bucket-of-bolts comments from the wife, she absolutely hates riding in my car now.

[BzzzBom]

Same question. I have the same clunking noise others have described here, presumably from the end links (tightened up the stretch bolts and the sounds remain). I too get the bucket-of-bolts comments from the wife, she absolutely hates riding in my car now.

My noise is much more subtle and occurs mainly when the car has been driven for awhile. I am not a mechanic (far from it) but it sounds like play between the links and sway or sway and bushings. David will figure it out. He has been very patient and always helps me out no matter how small the concern. My wife tells me to just turn on the radio and forget the noise - probably a good idea :)

[ENV²]

These cars make noise... mine clunks a little in back as well, the brakes squeel during light braking, etc. I think that clunking comes with the high performance part territory. Took my car to ETMS and they checked everything, all tight. Also now when I go full lock to the left then start turning opposite as in when parallel parking the left suspension makes a low snapping sound....

[BzzzBom]

Last week the Eurocode techs removed my rear sways and end links and the rear noise was still present. After reviewing numerous threads on Audizine and Audi World it seems that our stock Quattro Audis make a lot of creaks, rattles and moans especially when driving on crappy roads (I live in L.A.). The Eurocode suspension parts totally transformed the handling of my car and I am glad they were not the culprit. The folks at Eurocode have been awesome and patient while helping sort this all out.

[13ttaz]

I too have the EC sways and end links and am dealing with the low speed clunking noises. I also had the squeaking noises but hit the OEM bushings with silicon spray and that seemed to effectively addressed that annoyance. I will have to disconnect the end links and see if that is the source of the clunking. Admittedly, I am getting a little OCD about this as I am frustrated I have not been able to identify the source and correct it.

[Info@EuroCode]

I too have the EC sways and end links and am dealing with the low speed clunking noises. I also had the squeaking noises but hit the OEM bushings with silicon spray and that seemed to effectively addressed that annoyance. I will have to disconnect the end links and see if that is the source of the clunking. Admittedly, I am getting a little OCD about this as I am frustrated I have not been able to identify the source and correct it.

How long have you had the links on the car for?

[13ttaz]

^ About two months . . . car is 4 months new.

[Info@EuroCode]

^ About two months . . . car is 4 months new.

Shouldn't be happening, either an installation error or you have a bad rod end. We have cars with 40-50K without any noise.

Do you also have any other suspension modification such as springs or coilover?