I recently installed H&R lowering springs and Bilstein Sport shocks on my '95 A6. H&R's actually from Germany. Everything's great except rear passenger suspension gives "clank" sounds when hitting a bump. All bolts and nuts are tight, checked more than couple times.

It's just a guess, but I would check the top portion of the shock that has the bushing and connects to the shock shaft. I've seen them where they're loose and are about to fall off the shaft.

thanks, checked that, they're tight. Is it possible there's a lateral movement to the shock? Seems like there is less clearance on one sie in the rear than the other?

<center><img src="http://www.stasisengineering.com/images/Suspension_TS_Main.jpg"></center><p>I know it's not a bilstein, but I'm just using an image from STaSIS's website. If you look at the shock on the left, there's a silver metal cap. That cap is mounted onto the shock shaft. Did you take your shock completely off your car and check to see if that metal cap has any wobble on the shock shaft?

If it's solid, then my only guess is that shock might be bad. You said you hear a "clank," are you hear metal banging? Next time you hear it, pay attention to WHEN the sound comes as you hit the bump. Is it as the suspension is compressing or is it when the suspension is expanding? If it's when the suspension is expanding (ie as the wheel as gone past the peak of the bump), then I think it's a bad shock. Warranty should take care of that shock.

There are some instances where the lower rear shock perch can come in contact with the rear axle.

thanks i'll check that and get back to you.

I'll check the metal plate again. sems to me it was solid. The sound occurs upon compression NOT expansion. Thanks for the feedback. I'll get back to you.

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/129409/picture_002.jpg"></center><p>I just had H&amp;R Springs/Bilstein Sport shocks installed on my 2003 A6 4.2, and I'm experiencing the issue you're describing. That is, the axle coming in contact with the spring perch. Is there anything that can be done to fix this? The noise is horrible when I have adults in the back seat.