[s-cars] Creaking Bilstein/Eibach/2Bennett set-up

[Steve Powers]

Steve -

> I have a metallic-like creak or crack when I initiate movement from rest, or
> turn the wheel such as to back out of a parking spot.  <Eibach/Bilstein/2B
> camber plates, 95 S6 70k miles, well maintained suspension, no steering rack
> attachment cracks>

cracking/creaking front end? <check>
Bilsteins? <check>
2B camber plates? <check>
new suspension bushings? <check>
new control arms? <check>
no cracked steering arm mounts? <check>
driver's first name Steve? <check>
Eibach springs? <bzzzt, H&Rs>

> I seem to have narrowed the noise to the camber plates as follows: I can
> EXACTLY duplicate the noise by rotating the strut shaft via a hex wrench on
> the top of the strut > turning this turns the shaft itself as well as the
> spherical bearing (heim joint) on the camber plate.  The nature of the noise
> is slip-stick: when it breaks loose it does so with a metallic 'crack' but
> is quiet with further rotation until it comes to rest and is subsequently
> 'broken free' again.  You wouldn't expect this kind of noise from rotating a
> shaft, but it's true.  It is 100% repeatable, and does not depend on the
> amount of rotation.  My theory is that initiating movement of the vehicle,
> whether with the throttle or steering input, causes micro rotation of the
> strut shaft/heim joint assy thereby creating this noise.  Significantly, the
> installation was quiet at first installation.
>
same here...
>
> (I suppose it could also be a slip/stick noise in the shock itself between
> case and shaft, which I have not isolated, but which my mechanic suggests
> can be an issue w/ Bilsteins.  I've also received an email from a lister
> that suggests improper washer thickness on top of the spherical bearing can
> cause 'rattling', but this does not feel right to me and all looks tight.
> I've searched the web to see if there is generic information on heim joint
> noise, but have not come up with anything helpful)
>
>
>
> How can I quiet this noise?   Any 2Bennett users out there?

let me know when you find out. we've tried most everything...

Steve Powers
Seattle