Loud Creak After B14's Fitted

[Martin T6]

Hi guys, I wonder if you can help.
I recently had B14 coilovers fitted to my T6. It looks and rides well but when I go over a bump I get a loud creaking noise from both front wheels.

The garage that fitted them cant see anything amiss.

Anyone any ideas on what it could be?
Thanks

 

[Tourershine]

Hi guys, I wonder if you can help.
I recently had B14 coilovers fitted to my T6. It looks and rides well but when I go over a bump I get a loud creaking noise from both front wheels.

The garage that fitted them cant see anything amiss.

Anyone any ideas on what it could be?
Thanks

Mine made all sorts of new noises after fitting, but it all soon disappeared, but just check it's not your wallet creaking now it's empty

 

[Dellmassive]

does the creak happen when the springs compress or release?

so . . . . . as you hit the bump and compress or as the weigh comes back off after the bump?

Creaking is normally the spring under-load moving in the upprer or lower retaining cups.

the spring needs to be correctly positioned in the top and bottom cups.

suspension bushes can creak too . . . .

edit:

interesting read >>>

Watch out: avoid these installation mistakes! - Bilstein

 

[Martin T6]

Hi Dellmassive

The creak is when the springs compress rather than release. There was no noise before the coilover kit was fitted and it is loud, too loud to be bushes I think.

Sounds like the springs are perhaps not seated properly?

 

[Mooncat]

If it's when both sides are compressed (e.g. a speed bump) then I'd be looking at the ARB bushes. And bushes can be very loud.

 

[Martin T6]

Hi Mooncat. Thanks for the response. Both front wheels make the noise independently, tends to be the N/S more as the road is more undulating on that side. If I hit a speedbump then both sides would creak

 

[Mooncat]

I'd concur with @Dellmassive that the noise will disappear. The bushes are now in a different position to standard ride height and they do take a bit of settling in. One thing the best vehicle tech I've ever known taught me many years ago was to fully tighten suspension components once they are loaded and in their normal running position. Garages don't always do that. Interesting that the Bilstein link above pretty much states that too.

 

[dmk]

edit:

interesting read >>>

Watch out: avoid these installation mistakes! - Bilstein

nice one - very interesting

 

[Deleted Member]

No noise at all from my B14's or the newer H&R arb's I've had fitted, did your fitter follow the fittings instructions to the letter as per the link that @Dellmassive has supplied?

 

[Martin T6]

Thanks for the responses gents.

I can only presume the shockers and springs were fitted correctly, they were done at what I thought was a reputable company specialising in VW conversions. The van rides ok, I've noticed over the past few days that the noise is mostly when I hit a bump rather than a hole in the road and happens on just the one wheel unless I hit a speed bump in which case it is both front wheels. The garage have said there is nothing wrong with the fitment, looks like they need to take another look.

 

[Dellmassive]

Thanks for the responses gents.

I can only presume the shockers and springs were fitted correctly, they were done at what I thought was a reputable company specialising in VW conversions. The van rides ok, I've noticed over the past few days that the noise is mostly when I hit a bump rather than a hole in the road and happens on just the one wheel unless I hit a speed bump in which case it is both front wheels. The garage have said there is nothing wrong with the fitment, looks like they need to take another look.

Sounds like bushes or front suspension/springs shifting a bit.

Maybe ask the guys at the shop if you can take them with you on a test drive so that you can show them what the problem is.

Hit a few speed humps with the mechanic with you. Then there will be no doubt what you are refering too.

Good luck with them and keep us posted.

 

[dmk]

Did this get sorted?

 

[Y4NDE]

Interested to hear it the creaks went.

 

[Milkybarkid]

Thanks for the responses gents.

I can only presume the shockers and springs were fitted correctly, they were done at what I thought was a reputable company specialising in VW conversions. The van rides ok, I've noticed over the past few days that the noise is mostly when I hit a bump rather than a hole in the road and happens on just the one wheel unless I hit a speed bump in which case it is both front wheels. The garage have said there is nothing wrong with the fitment, looks like they need to take another look.

Out of interest could you tell me the location of this company as I have had the exact same issue. I know you're probably prohibited from naming the company but County and country would suffice