Hear snapping sounds after install of bilsteins

[911bobby]

Hi guys well i finally got my Bilstein Damtronics, H & R fr & bk sway bars (thx Vivid) and H & R spacers installed (thx Wheel Enhancement) and my first impression is that the car really feels planted now!! Although i didn't get the alignment yet (need to settle in first) i've notice the car is a little sluggish maybe even feel heavy if that makes any sense? Is it because i need to have the alignment? Also the one thing that caught my attention is that when im going on or off a driveway i would hear a snap sound from the front bilstein! Is this normal or should i be concerned?

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[JAY-PESOS]

who did the install?, they would be the 1st person i would contact, snapping noises coming from the suspension isnt a good thing.

[NorthVan]

I had a noise when mine went in, and took it back to the installer. They took it a part and checked everything, found that nothing was wrong.

I drove the car and it went away after a while.

Do your self a favour, get your car corner balanced and a proper alignment done, settling in is a myth and should be aligned before driving it on the road.

[summoboy]

Agreed, you should not be driving without a proper alignment. I have the damptronics and had the car lowered an inch all around. The car feels suberb. I sometimes get some suspension noise if I go too fast over speed bumps, other than that - perfect.

[AP 997S]

The 'noise' might be just settling in of the suspension. It could be sway bar bushings, etc. making that type of noise. New bars tend to 'creak' when going over uneven surfaces (ie. speed bumps) until they 'seat' properly. It could also be an installation issue.

Get it checked out first by the installer and then get it aligned. You don't want any 'finger pointing' so let the installer see it first.

Keep us posted . . .

[///MJFDDS]

I get noise from the front when exiting my driveway at slow speeds in reverse. I believe it's the spring becoming unsettled.

[911bobby]

Hi guys, i was told when i came to pick it up that the popping noise is from the suspension by my installer its not a creaking noise from the sway bars at all (at least i don't think so). I will give bistein a call today for more info. My appt for the alignment is next week due to some work that i need to get done first.

[19000rpm]

Who did your install, was it a reputable shop? I cant believe how many times I've head about waiting for things to settle. The drive from the install lift to the alignment rack is enough time for things to settle. I call this installer error, because Bilstein doesn't ship out defective parts. Most times noises in suspension come form an installer not torquing down and checking everything to spec. Sometimes just a few more turns of the central locking nut on the top of the strut can compress the spring assembly a little more to the point its quiet. Just to clarify, you sure that your car isn't rubbing when you leave your driveway? I would attribute the sluggishness to the lack of proper alignment. As said by previous posters, a corner balance and alignment is key to feel, performance and tire longevity. I really would not leave out the the corner balance either with theses cars. You should go back to your installer and tell them your pist your car is making a noise and call bs on their settling before alignment policy. Probably just lazy or in a hurry.

Hope you get it fixed without hassle. God forbid another pcar on the road with a noise coming from somewhere!

[Arzo]

I had my alignment done immediately after install and the steering felt quite a bit lighter so I am guessing the alignment must have contributed to that feel. I had too much negative camber in the rear.

[911bobby]

Ok got some more info today gave john over at Bilstein and Dan at Vivid Racing a called and both were nice enough to give me possible solution. John gave me a diagram that consist of some OEM Porsche parts that needs to incorporated into the suspensions. Dan told me to check the sway bar link, strut top bolt, spring collar and last but not lest the sway bar against the control arm. So i will be checking with my guy if we can solve this problem!!! will keep everyone posted and thanks all for the advice!!

[OC Pcar]

who did the install?

[justjay202]

i got new PSS9's installed and no creaks / sounds at all.

that's strange and definitely seems like install error.

[yrralis1]

[quote=AP 997S;2121541]The 'noise' might be just settling in of the suspension. It could be sway bar bushings, etc. making that type of noise. New bars tend to 'creak' when going over uneven surfaces (ie. speed bumps) until they 'seat' properly. quote]

+1

[blakt out]

I think Dan is totally right. The first thing that popped into my head was a sway bar end link in a bind. It's very common. Sometimes, with lowering, it makes the end link reach more, especially if it were somehow not in perfect alignment when set 'on center'. His second thought about the tops of the struts is my next thought too.

Betcha it's the end links.

[911bobby]

Hi everyone the snapping noise is gone now because there was an oem rubber washer that was missing on the install now all is well and smooth!!! Just got the alignment done on friday so yes she moves like a beauty!!! LOL I should have done this the first day i picked her up!!! Thank you everyone but the problem is solved!! Long gone are the body rolls!