Hi all,

 

Not long ago I returned to mk1 vRS ownership. I picked up a tidy, but cheap 55 plate with 113k on the clocks.

 

During my test drive, I noticed the rear axle bushes were knocking, so had those replaced. This cured the knock, but left me with more of a creaking, or almost metallic rubbing noise. It's predominantly from the offside rear and when cornering or when the suspension compresses. 

 

I noticed the lower damper bushes were shot on both sides, one damper was even weeping slightly. So out with old, in with new (OEM, nothing fancy). The springs both looked fine, so they've not been touched.

 

I'm still finding myself with the same creak. The car drives as straight as anything, and I'm more confused than concerned. It's worth noting that the noise seems to disappear altogether when driving in wet conditions.

 

Are there any other bushes or joints that are prone to wearing which could result in what I'm experiencing? Does the ARB ever need attention?

 

I'm quite baffled and would appreciate the input of you wonderful Briskoda people.

 

Cheers,

Keith.

Edited 30 September, 201510 yr by Keith_VRS

Exhaust? Exhaust heat shields? Is it running the standard exhaust system?

 

Did you change the top mounts when you changed the dampers?

 

Not much else it can be if you've done the beam bushes already!

 

The integrated RARB shouldn't cause any problems as it's welded into the beam. But worth inspecting the whole beam anyway if you're under there.

Thanks for the reply.

 

It's running the standard system throughout. Annoyingly, the sleeve (or original jubilee clips) holding the catback section were rotten and decided to drop off the other week. Gungum and a couple of new clamps and it's good as new. The rest of the exhaust remained hanging in place, but the rubber mounts etc looked OK while under there.

 

It doesn't sound like a heat shield or something loose and metallic. I didn't know if the stock RARB was bushed in any way. I thought if these had perished, it may result in some lateral movement and a rubbing noise, especially when cornering.

 

The top mounts weren't changed at the same time as the dampers. Do they perish over time as well? May be worth looking at.

 

I didn't think there was much left to replace, but it's odd that the rain seems to hide the issue.

Just to update, I've had the suspension looked at a second time.

 

My mechanic is stumped as to what the problem may be. As mentioned, rear axle bushes and dampers have been changed out, and the top mounts are solid as anything.

 

He has however applied some grease to the underside of the springs where they contact the bottom saddles and it's really done the trick. At present, it's metal on metal.

 

Does anyone know if there are meant to be any rubber cups or some sort of insert for the lower interface with the saddle?

 

If I just have to apply grease every so often, I can live with that. Sooner it was right all of the time though..

Oddly enough there is no rubber seat or otherwise where the spring sits in the axle cups.

Yes there's a metal shim that sits between spring and seat as standard on the rear.

 

It's very easy to miss though when the old springs are corroded and dirty and they're hidden beneath it all! When I took mine off they just crumbled away.

 

Maybe yours dissolved too!

 

Will try and find a picture....