Bilstein B16 Damptronic Creaking Noise

[7REAT]

Hi guys,

I’ve recently installed a brand new Bilstein B16 damptronic on my Mk7.5 R(20,000kms on clock) and a wheel alignment has been done.

It’s making a crazy creaking noise when turning, especially at low speed. Please check the link for video.

I’ve searched on multiple websites and didn’t see much with the same problem.

It’s really disappointing as I paid a lot for a quality part but end up with headache…

Has anyone here with the same experience? Any suggestions what the reason could be? Is it a common issue on B16s?

As it’s a reputable brand and mature system I think the chance of it being quality control issue is minimum…but both front left and right are making the noise.

Please advice. Thanks in advance.

 

[Agray]

Did you use new OEM mounts and bearings when you installed?

 

[krs]

Did you use new OEM mounts and bearings when you installed?

Sounds like mine when I RE-USED the the top mounts, which is what I'd wager a bet on that this is what the noise is in the video.

 

[7REAT]

Did you use new OEM mounts and bearings when you installed?

Yes, I did. But my car has just ticked 20,000 mark, do you think these parts would fail so early?

 

[7REAT]

Sounds like mine when I RE-USED the the top mounts, which is what I'd wager a bet on that this is what the noise is in the video.

Hi, thanks for sharing your experience. So how was it after you changed the top mounts? Did the noise just go away?

 

[krs]

Hi, thanks for sharing your experience. So how was it after you changed the top mounts? Did the noise just go away?

I ignored it, since I'll be swapping in a new setup for next summers race season. But if I were not impatient when I was doing the eurosport camber kit, I would have ordered new install kit like this: https://www.urotuning.com/products/strut-shock-installation-kit-vw-audi-2015-mqb-mk7-mk7-5-golf-gti-alltrack-sportwagen-8v-a3?currency=USD&variant=31876149379127&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google Shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQjwrJOMBhCZARIsAGEd4VGIpFJElgq-_riTpBxAztihYwP0wRD9L63FcBGyH8SEkyL5yS2ThLQaAg7fEALw_wcB

My car only has about 17,000miles, or 27,000km and they're noisy now.

 

[snobrdrdan]

Yes, I did. But my car has just ticked 20,000 mark, do you think these parts would fail so early?

The mounts you can usually get away with reusing when newer-ish, but VW says to replace the strut bearings every time you service the strut assembly

That said...using new components (mounts/bearings) with your new suspension (coilovers, struts, etc) is the way to go IMO

 

[scrapin240]

that sound could also be the springs rubbing each other. my B16s make the sound too, but I attribute it to the SuperPro top mount.

 

[Cuzoe]

That sounds exactly like my car when I was going through hell with fixed camber plates. Had that same sound when turning either direction while stationary or at low speed.

I went through several suspension setups and removal/install cycles, replacing the bearings EVERY time (because they were cheap, and noise was my problem). Unlike you my problems were only when I had fixed camber plates, both 034 and SuperPro. I'm now on my 10th (yes, 10th) set of strut bearings. I replaced them with EVERY suspension change and removal/install because they were cheap and I was chasing that noise. Through my headache I ran various combinations of stock/H&R springs along with stock/B6/B8 struts and dampers. Always had the noise.

My noise wasn't fixed until installing OEM mounts, with new strut bearings of course, B4 damptronics. I went with the Audi TT bearings PN 8S0 412 249 ($18/ea). Our stock bearings are PN 5Q0412249F ($12/ea). I always found the dealer discounted them by a little but they are cheap insurance anyway. Of course, they aren't cheap if you're having to drop the suspension again. But since you're on stock mounts I would have to suspect the bearings. I would replace them (and probably the mounts too since you'll be in there). And make sure you/your installer directly follow the top mount build up from the B16 install instructions, properly torqueing as well. I know people/shops use impacts and it's normally fine, but it's too much of a headache to take a chance, especially the second time around.

 

[7REAT]

That sounds exactly like my car when I was going through hell with fixed camber plates. Had that same sound when turning either direction while stationary or at low speed.

I went through several suspension setups and removal/install cycles, replacing the bearings EVERY time (because they were cheap, and noise was my problem). Unlike you my problems were only when I had fixed camber plates, both 034 and SuperPro. I'm now on my 10th (yes, 10th) set of strut bearings. I replaced them with EVERY suspension change and removal/install because they were cheap and I was chasing that noise. Through my headache I ran various combinations of stock/H&R springs along with stock/B6/B8 struts and dampers. Always had the noise.

My noise wasn't fixed until installing OEM mounts, with new strut bearings of course, B4 damptronics. I went with the Audi TT bearings PN 8S0 412 249 ($18/ea). Our stock bearings are PN 5Q0412249F ($12/ea). I always found the dealer discounted them by a little but they are cheap insurance anyway. Of course, they aren't cheap if you're having to drop the suspension again. But since you're on stock mounts I would have to suspect the bearings. I would replace them (and probably the mounts too since you'll be in there). And make sure you/your installer directly follow the top mount build up from the B16 install instructions, properly torqueing as well. I know people/shops use impacts and it's normally fine, but it's too much of a headache to take a chance, especially the second time around.

Hi Cuzoe, thanks so much! The noise has been solved!

I went the same route by using the TT bearing(AUD $85/ea here in Australia though). I checked the condition of the top mounts and they seemed to be in a good shape and condition so I didn’t bother replacing them.

I was a bit shocked when comparing my used bearings and the brand new Audi TT bearing. There was a very noticeable gap between the upper and lower components of my used bearing. It wasn’t as smooth when twisting and also make cracking noise as the two components don’t fit perfectly. The brand new TT bearing seemed to have a overall better build quality.

 

[Cuzoe]

Hi Cuzoe, thanks so much! The noise has been solved!

I went the same route by using the TT bearing(AUD $85/ea here in Australia though). I checked the condition of the top mounts and they seemed to be in a good shape and condition so I didn’t bother replacing them.

I was a bit shocked when comparing my used bearings and the brand new Audi TT bearing. There was a very noticeable gap between the upper and lower components of my used bearing. It wasn’t as smooth when twisting and also make cracking noise as the two components don’t fit perfectly. The brand new TT bearing seemed to have a overall better build quality.

Glad to hear it, sucks having to re-do suspension work. When I got the Audi bearings I noticed they were fully packed with grease (grease coming out of them into the bags) as compared to other bearings I had purchased. After my 3rd or 4th set of those I started adding grease before install, haha.

But AUD $85/ea , they are sticking it to you folks.

 

[sutter2k]

should this be moved to the suspension thread?

 

[Ferdimage]

Reviving an old thread.
I've had the B16 DCC coilovers for 6 months now and I've had this creaking noise from day 1, turning either left or right.
Installed new strut mounts and bearings (OEM VW) and followed Bilstein's specs, a few days ago.

Creaking has been resolved on the left hand strut, but still noisy on the right.
I know OP recommended the Audi bearings but the VW ones seem to have eliminated the creaking on the left side.

So I was wondering what else I can look at to resolve the issue completely.

 

[Cuzoe]

I'm not the OP, just the unfortunate yahoo that went through 10 sets of mounts/bearings before switching to the Audi mounts, that are still silent at the 3 year mark (not that I would expect differently).

Although inconvenient if you had access to a drive on lift you could get under the car and turn while looking for something obvious. Could also put a stethoscope in a couple spots, although the location of that bearing/mount noise was obvious to me every time.

Unhelpful is that I see the Audi mounts are now $70+ each, and OEMs $55+ each . When I was going through my saga Audis were under $20 each and OEMs under $15.

 

[SierraCarrera]

Reviving an old thread.
I've had the B16 DCC coilovers for 6 months now and I've had this creaking noise from day 1, turning either left or right.
Installed new strut mounts and bearings (OEM VW) and followed Bilstein's specs, a few days ago.

Creaking has been resolved on the left hand strut, but still noisy on the right.
I know OP recommended the Audi bearings but the VW ones seem to have eliminated the creaking on the left side.

So I was wondering what else I can look at to resolve the issue completely.

Does your spring have the little clear piece of rubber around it? Try shimmy-ing it up all the way so it makes a bit of contact with the mount, that fixed the creaking for me since I believe it slightly binds up at that point, having that bit of rubber cushion prevents that.