Just lowered 2.2dti- loud clunking noise!!! Advice please?

**NISMOIFFY** · 28th August 2010, 16:55

Hi everyone, I am new on here, and have read through many thread that have similar problems to me. However, i want to ask directly for your advice people as i feel it may help my diagnose the problem quicker.

Have just lowered my 03' plate 2.2 dti elite on gmax 40mm springs from a reputable garage. Car sits nicely..with the front slightly lower giving it a mean stance...however the moment i drove it off from the garage .. i could hear a really loud CLONKING (metal hitting metal noise) which i am pretty sure is ONLY coming from the front suspension. The noise is only noticable on bumpy road and always on speed bumps. It feels like the spring is jumping in and out of the mount (an obvious spring sound nevertheless). Took it back, and the guy said i needed my anti roll bar bushes done so he did them for about £40quid. However, it is exactly the same.. Can anyone help?

I have read on here that these plastic sleeves you can buy from VX can solve the problem, but i wasnt sure if they would- as i kinda of think that the noise is coming from the top of the spring..not the bottom (just a hunch). Guy In the garage said he could see anything else wrong with suspension and everything was fitted back snugly when he fitted them.

Im am starting to regret lowering it now..unless i get this prob soted asap. Car has done 83k and shocks seem to be fine.

Would appreciate if you could help...Thanks!

**paulvectrac** · 28th August 2010, 16:57

top strut mate or spring sliping in the carrier

**Keithy** · 28th August 2010, 16:59

i had this when i fitted gmax springs on an audi a4. the springs don't seat properly causing them to clunk. i never sorted it. just put up with it until i sold the car

**NISMOIFFY** · 28th August 2010, 17:27

thanks for your reply guys...

i prob wouldnt mind putting up with it..but in the future would put someone off buying the car as it doesnt sound too good over bumps.

Would you suggest the sleeves?

**paulvectrac** · 28th August 2010, 17:29

you could try it mate

**macdad** · 28th August 2010, 17:33

Originally Posted by NISMOIFFY

thanks for your reply guys...

i prob wouldnt mind putting up with it..but in the future would put someone off buying the car as it doesnt sound too good over bumps.

Would you suggest the sleeves?

If i were you mate i'd change the drop links,thats assuming your mate has tightened all the nuts down properly.

**NISMOIFFY** · 28th August 2010, 17:41

Are drop links an easy/inexpensive job?

Do you suggest that fitting smaller springs has created a new problem?or just highlighted an existing and old problem that wasn't noticable with the stock springs?

**John LE** · 28th August 2010, 19:26

Originally Posted by macdad

If i were you mate i'd change the drop links

Originally Posted by NISMOIFFY

Are drop links an easy/inexpensive job?

Do you suggest that fitting smaller springs has created a new problem?or just highlighted an existing and old problem that wasn't noticable with the stock springs?

I think it's just highlighted it mate, they may have been on the way out and changing their position by lowering has made them knock

**paul.sessions** · 28th August 2010, 21:32

i fitted 45mm pi springs to my 2.2 dti i changed the drop links, top strut bearings, and done the sleeve mod. and still have the clunk. lol i have put it down to the strut mount now so im on the lookout for one.. just never know what it is

**plasma** · 28th August 2010, 21:41

or it could be bottom'ing out on the dampers due to the amount of drop.. SRI' dampers are a tad shorter than elite ones i believe...

or another silly one, he hasnt fitted them upside down has he? tell tale will be the noise when your turning to to a 3 point turn or such