Suspension clunk

[miketheman2k]

Hi all,

Over the last week I have noticed a hollow clunk-type sound from the front left wheel when going over rough roads, and especially when the wheel is turned at the time. Any suggestions on what this might be?

Cheers,

Mike

[Carps]

Could be the suspension link arms, or (more likely) the top mount. It's a bastard to replace either of these as one of the bolts that clamps the upper link arms balljoints invariably seizes in. I had to tackle this myself today [img]images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]

The link arms are usually more of a creaking/squeaking noise.

[toasty]

Could be a loose brake pad also.

Try driving with light pressure on the brake pedal, if that stops it then it could just be a case of tightening the spring clips on the pads. (seems to be quite a common fault)

easy to fix, I did mine myself [img]images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[wazza]

Andy, can you tell me more about the top mount problem?
would all the suspension bits be tight still?

[Carps]

Totally. You will find it hard to find an problem without getting the car into a position where you can really pull the wheel around. I have only ever had the problem on Golfs (Mk1s, Mk2s, and Mk4s), but then this is the only other car I have owned which had Macpherson struts [img]images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] It is not an expensive part, but due to the Audi suspension set-up removal may be an issue (the dreaded pinch bolt [img]images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img])
Saying all this, I may be completely off the mark - I'd try to confirm by talking to someone like Kim Collins or a helpful Audi service department

Good luck

Andy

[wazza]

It's going back to the dealers on Saturday [img]images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img] fear it.

[tartan_rob]

I had this problem and I put money on it being the upper rear n/s wishbone. It will have gone at the shocker mount end. I had this and had it fixed at Audi. In the end, I replaced all the wishbones + mounts + "C" links etc at the bargain price of £1500 for the passenger side. For some reason that one wishbone takes more pounding than the rest.

PS If you change all, get the kit, it is about £800 instead of paying invididually like mine.....

[miketheman2k]

Yikes, all sounds expensive... if it were the mounts would it be covered under my Warranty Direct policy which states:

Suspension
Upper and lower wishbones, control arms, stabilising bars with associated ball joints, swivel pins and bushes, displacer units, wheel bearings, tailgate suspension struts.

Cheers,

Mike

[tartan_rob]

If its not an Audi warranty then they are likely to say "wait until they fail".....call them and see. Under no circumstances pay for the repair on a "we'll re-imburse you agreement. I'm sure everyone on this site has had or knows of someone that has been burnt like that.

[Golich]

Warranty direct will send a rep for any claim which is potentially over £400 if memory serves me correctly.

£1500 !! feck that's outrageous. You can buy the complete kit for £380 Both sides every link Even from Audi UK never mind VAG Parts. If you weren't tied to Audi I'd take it to a decent back street garage if you can't do it yourself. I swapped out my stock S4 suspension for RS4 and replaced a lower ball joint in the process. It's not really any different from any other car if you have a manual and some experience of this and the usual tools. But that pinch bolt will burst you b##ls if your trying to save the two upper arms. But if your getting the complete kit heat will take that pinch bolt out no probs.

[DrB]

Guys' I had the same problem two months ago. My car went into specialist Car Audi, in Aberdeen for a service, they then found the problem. I contacted warranty direct (I have been with them for 1 year so far in a 3 year policy for my 1998 S4) and they said it was no problem. Specialist Audi then also contacted them and they then sorted it out between them. There seemed to be no problem getting the work authorised, approx £600-700.