Ohlins R/T clunking after install

[Do Work]

Hey everyone,

Recently purchased Ohlins R/T with Vorschlag camber plates from one of the forum members. After install I noticed they would clunk while going under 10mph over any bump in the road (minor or major). I went back to the shop to have them double check their work, we made sure everything was tightened to spec and installed correctly, all was good, but still the clunking is present. At our last ditch effort to isolate the issue we noticed where the top of the spring meets the camber plate the diameter seems to be a bit off which allows play in the spring. I am wondering if these are the incorrect camber plates for the ohlins R/T, however I have been in contact with the previous owner and he claims he experienced no clunking or any issues with the setup. Any input/insight is greatly appreciated.

-yes the 3 strut mount bolts are tight.
-yes the top nut (on top of pillow ball is tight)
-I am on oem end links but they were fine before install.
-yes the preload is set high enough for that to not be the cause.


Thanks in advance,

[Redd]

I assumed you have the rubber isolator between the spring and camber plate spring perch?

[Do Work]

Originally Posted by Redd

I assumed you have the rubber isolator between the spring and camber plate spring perch?

Does this come with the camber plate? If not I did not use any parts from my oem suspension.

[msan]

this should help

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...ighlight=clunk

[Do Work]

http://s618.photobucket.com/user/ozk...0cksh.jpg.html

this is how they were installed, I do not see a rubber isolator on top of the spring. (this is the set i purchased)

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...t=ohlins+r%2Ft

[Do Work]

Originally Posted by msan

this should help

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...ighlight=clunk

Thanks, not sure if this is the same issue, I looked through tons of posts in regards to the issue but never came across this one.

[su_root]

I have to say I may be experiencing the same issue after my Ohlins upgrade as well. Ohlins RT + Ground Control Camber plates is my setup.

About 5-600 miles after install there were no issues or sounds of any kind. As of last weekend(~700 mikes) I began hearing what sounds like clunking or rattling coming from the rear or the vehicle when driving at low speeds over road bumps. At higher speeds the sound can be heard if you listen for it but it's faint due to road noise and engine noise.

I'll be taking my E92 to a new mechanic this weekend to investigate the issue.

The GC kit was purchased for OEM spring size as advised by GC customer service at the time of ordering.

The car has not been driven hard since the install; just your normal driving to/from work. It appears to be getting more noticeable and more frequent but who knows- I'm not an expert.

[Datka]

OP, tell your mechanic to remove vorshlag plates and inspect spherical joints for play.
They go bad from time to time and need to be replaced. Loose joints cause clunking noise you describe.

[Redd]

Originally Posted by Do Work

Does this come with the camber plate? If not I did not use any parts from my oem suspension.

You're supposed to remove the rubber isolator from the stock top mounts, trim the center, and reuse it with the Vorshlag spring perch. Vorshlag has a very clear install guide with pictures showing this.

http://www.vorshlag.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8126

[Do Work]

Originally Posted by Redd

You're supposed to remove the rubber isolator from the stock top mounts, trim the center, and reuse it with the Vorshlag spring perch. Vorshlag has a very clear install guide with pictures showing this.

http://www.vorshlag.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8126

You are very right, I really hope this solves the issue. Thank you so much for that link!

[Redd]

Maybe that's why the previous owner sold them in the first place. Lol

Hope this fixes it for you.

[msan]

Originally Posted by Redd

Maybe that's why the previous owner sold them in the first place. Lol

Hope this fixes it for you.

Since the previous owner went back to stock, maybe the shop removed the rubber isolater from the Ohlins and reused it on the stock OEM again.

[Redd]

After you trim the isolators to fit the Vorshlag, I doubt you could reuse it back on the stock top mounts.

[su_root]

Do you have an EDC equipped car?

The install manual for Ohlins was a little unclear and I recall my original mechanic was unsure as well. The rear install manual showed 2 possible assembly guides- one for EDC model and one for Standard model. The difference was the use of a spacer they provided.

Im dropping the car off in a few hours and will post back what the new mechanic tells me today. Luckily I still have all my original suspension parts that came off during the install.

The clucking I hear appears to come the rear but I'm not entirely sure.

[msan]

Originally Posted by Redd

After you trim the isolators to fit the Vorshlag, I doubt you could reuse it back on the stock top mounts.

Instructions didn't seem to mention any trimming, just to swap it

[Do Work]

Originally Posted by su_root

Do you have an EDC equipped car?

The install manual for Ohlins was a little unclear and I recall my original mechanic was unsure as well. The rear install manual showed 2 possible assembly guides- one for EDC model and one for Standard model. The difference was the use of a spacer they provided.

Im dropping the car off in a few hours and will post back what the new mechanic tells me today. Luckily I still have all my original suspension parts that came off during the install.

The clucking I hear appears to come the rear but I'm not entirely sure.

The clunking im experiencing is definitely coming from the front, I am taking the car back in to have the rubber isolator installed, hopefully that solves the issue.

[GabeS]

Tighten the upper nut/ check preload(If you can spin the spring by hand easily, that's the problem), problem will be gone 100%

[su_root]

Mechanic reviewed my entire setup and found the wrong washers had been used in the rear. Using the correct hardware that came in the bag and the clunking is now gone.

Have your mechanic check and re-check that all the correct hardware is used for the install

[Redd]

Originally Posted by msan

Instructions didn't seem to mention any trimming, just to swap it

Here's another link with even more detailed pics. One pic mentions to trim the center of the isolator.

https://vorshlag.smugmug.com/Instruc...stall-BMW-E92/

[///MPower15]

Originally Posted by su_root

Mechanic reviewed my entire setup and found the wrong washers had been used in the rear. Using the correct hardware that came in the bag and the clunking is now gone.

Have your mechanic check and re-check that all the correct hardware is used for the install

Do you have pics of the washers needed for edc cars? My rear started to knock really badly, but I got my ohlins used so I don't know if the washers and spacers are there.

[Redd]

It's clearly detailed in the instruction manual. The EDC washer is basically a taller metal collar.

[su_root]

Originally Posted by ///MPower15

Do you have pics of the washers needed for edc cars? My rear started to knock really badly, but I got my ohlins used so I don't know if the washers and spacers are there.

I didn't snap a picture

Install Manual:
https://www.ohlins.com/app/uploads/w...MI_BMSMI40.pdf

Go to page 6 and compare the two install options. Notice the additional washer and spacer for cars that came with EDC from factory.

The guys at Ohlins are very helpful and can probably hook you up with a bag of hardware for a few dollars. Then just revisit your mechanic and fix it up

Hope this helps.