Clunking After Bilstein Install

[arzinet]

I just had the dealership put a set of Bilstein HDs on our 2007 Suburban (1/2 ton, 4x4, 80,000kms). I love the new ride, but over bumps there is now a very slight clunking or juddering noise from the front end. The truck used to suck up every bump with just a single, solid thud, but now it's more of a quick thud-a-thud-thunk.

 

I took it back to the dealership, but they said they couldn't hear any abnormal noise (I wasn't too surprised - it doesn't happen on every bump, and it' a subtle difference when it does happen). I had them double check the installation anyway, and they said everything is torqued to spec.

 

I'm fairly confident that the shocks were installed properly, so now I'm wondering if maybe the problem is with the shocks themselves. Maybe a loose tolerance somewhere or even a bushing that isn't quite right?

 

Or maybe the clunking is something that the truck has always done, but somehow it's just more noticeable with the firmer damping of the new shocks? To be honest, the noise is a very mild version of clunking front end judder I've experienced in just about every 3/4 or 1-ton GM pickup I've ever driven.

 

Any ideas?

[jro909]

maybe a loose nut or bolt?

[mtm700]

Have the ball joints checked out. I heard they were wearing out well under 100,000 miles on these things.