Clanking noise from rear [car is bagged]

[cdutch513]

Hey all,
I recently bagged my car and it has been perfect until yesterday.
I did a tire rotation and put 20mm spacers on the rear. Did clearance checks and everything was good.
I then went out and about and when driving I was hearing a strange clanking sound from the rear.
I pulled the spacers off and checked all suspension components. They all seem secure. Axle shafts have slight play (I’m guessing in spec). Even without the spacers it is still making the noise.

The noise only really happens at lower speeds on small bumps. Fast speed and bigger bumps do not make the noise. Turning doesn’t affect it, neither does acceleration.

 

[Lindenwood]

Honestly I’d start with going through every fastener touched and making sure it is fully torqued down. I have been wrenching for a good while and most of these circumstances are caused by under-torqued fasteners.

 

[KGA Tour]

Hey all,
I recently bagged my car and it has been perfect until yesterday.
I did a tire rotation and put 20mm spacers on the rear. Did clearance checks and everything was good.
I then went out and about and when driving I was hearing a strange clanking sound from the rear.
I pulled the spacers off and checked all suspension components. They all seem secure. Axle shafts have slight play (I’m guessing in spec). Even without the spacers it is still making the noise.

The noise only really happens at lower speeds on small bumps. Fast speed and bigger bumps do not make the noise. Turning doesn’t affect it, neither does acceleration.

Any update on this? I've been having this issue on my 2017 model S for 6+ months now. I took the car in to Tesla 4 times but each time, they denied that they can duplicate the noise even after the technician recognized during the test drive with me.

 

[cdutch513]

Not yet. I’m going to pull off the undercarriage at some point and take a look around.

 

[cdutch513]

I had 1000 miles with the bags with no noise.
Raised car, installed spacers, checked clearances, drove. No noise
Parked, lowered, then drove. Noise.
Super strange.

 

[cdutch513]

If anyone comes across this thread, I found the issue. The rear damper locking ring was loose. About 1/16 of a turn

 

[upkerry14]

If anyone comes across this thread, I found the issue. The rear damper locking ring was loose. About 1/16 of a turn

Would you be so kind as to provide a picture of what that is and where it is exactly for those of us who aren't auto mechanics (that's me!)? Thank you. Bill

 

[upkerry14]

A Google search shows this. Am I correct?

 

[cdutch513]

Yes

 

[eglove]

A Google search shows this. Am I correct?

This is the stock strut - it won't have the locking collar issue that the OP is talking about.

 

[upkerry14]

Well it wasn't loose and I'm still getting the annoying sound.