Clunk after installing coilvers

[See-Fu]

Just installed a set of coilovers w/ camber plates. I noticed that on the driver front side when I hit a bump i hear this clunking. If I'm going at a moderate speed and hit a bump the clunking will happen several times kind of like somethings bouncing up and down rapidly. This happened for about 20 min and then after about 20 min of driving the clunk disappeared. This morning I jacked the car up to check if the endlinks are on tight and when I lowered the car, the clunking came back. Any ideas?

[mazing M3]

The shock might be blown from the factory.

[Groundpilot]

Check both front top strut nuts. Loose nuts cause that kind of noise. You will need an impact gun to do the job.

[Move Over]

What setup are they?

Depending on the coilovers type there's a few things to check.

If it has a preload adjuster (most do not) check if the preload is set correctly. Usually 6-7mm of preload is a safe amount.

Make sure you used your OEM spring isolator if they did not come set up with their own camber plates. I received a set of ohlins with a vorshlag plate that did not have the isolator and they rattled and knocked like crazy. Installed my OEM isolator and it went away instantaneously.

Check the top nut, make sure it is all the way torqued down. Most coilovers have a shoulder that the top hat rests on and if the nut is not 100% tight, the top mount will knock against that shoulder.

Lastly, if they are used coilovers, make sure the top mount bushing is greased properly, I have had that create a knocking with my old BC coilovers. Unlikely, but something to check.

Rule all that out, if not it could be as mentioned before - defective from factory.

[azndrunk74]

i had this issue when i thought my swaybar end links were tight due to being under load. the second time i checked them i was able to tighten them more and the clunking disappeared.

[See-Fu]

i've ruled out the sway bars and endlinks since i still got the knock when I disconnected one side of the endlinks. i've also ruled out the top nut on the shocks since we've impacted it pretty good. at this point i've sent the struts to Olsen Motorsports for a rebuild.

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by See-Fu

Just installed a set of coilovers w/ camber plates. I noticed that on the driver front side when I hit a bump i hear this clunking. If I'm going at a moderate speed and hit a bump the clunking will happen several times kind of like somethings bouncing up and down rapidly. This happened for about 20 min and then after about 20 min of driving the clunk disappeared. This morning I jacked the car up to check if the endlinks are on tight and when I lowered the car, the clunking came back. Any ideas?

What brand is the coilovers?

Some struts/shocks are just noisy by design and some may be defective out of the box.

[BzsBimmer]

Am I right in stating that the noise can also be attributed to not having a helper spring?

[See-Fu]

Originally Posted by HP Autosport

What brand is the coilovers?

Some struts/shocks are just noisy by design and some may be defective out of the box.

JRZ RS

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by See-Fu

JRZ RS

Well, those aren't perfect, they are known to have noise issues.

[See-Fu]

Problem fixed. Just needed a rebuild