Neuron CF8, creaking, cracking, carbon, oh my!

I have a 6-month old Neuron that has started creaking. Bad. Mostly creaks when applying cranking power.

The bike is kept clean, chain is cleaned and well lubricated. I am going to meticulously go through all of these steps this weekend: [https://www.canyon.com/en-us/support-articles/fixing\_cracking\_sounds\_and\_noises.html](https://www.canyon.com/en-us/support-articles/fixing_cracking_sounds_and_noises.html)

While looking the rear suspension I noticed this: [plug coming out](https://i.imgur.com/DBQLeGD.jpg)

I don’t know what that is or what to do about it – is it just a cover? How do I seat it? I have not been able to push it back in. Is this what is making all the noise (or some of the noise)?

I have reached out to Canyon but its been crickets, no reply so far. Can I ride it? What should I do about this?

by acrobaticOccasion