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I have this annoying knocking noise on my S4 V8 within the steering column. When i go over a bump I get this knocking noise coming from the steering column (actually sounds like it coming from behind the instruments)

I can replicate the noise by pulling down on the steering wheel.

Could I ask you guys with an S4 (V8 model) to see if you have the same knocking on your steering column please? [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img]

Also, do you guys with an S4 V8 have that annoying rattle noise at low RPM? Sounds like a heatshield rattling

My S4 has been into the garage loads of times for this and now they are telling me that both these noises are characteristcs!! [img]images/graemlins/rocketwhore.gif[/img]

Before I go and shoot everyone at the garage can I ask you guys to check if your S4's are producing the same noises as mine?

Thanks very much

Hi,

Haven't heard those noises on mine. I will give the steering column a waggle next time I go out...

Darren
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[img]images/graemlins/audiS4black.gif[/img]

[img]images/graemlins/rocketwhore.gif[/img]1st -ask questions later

Actually, the most annoying noises I heard came from audi uk and the dealer, not the car!!!

Hi Darren

The rattle underneath happens at about 1000rpm. Pull down the the steering wheel a few times, it may make that knocking noise like what i get, its the only way I can replicate the noise manually.

[img]images/graemlins/beerchug.gif[/img]

I agree re Audi UK and the dealers

They are both useless!!!!

the words "piss up" and "brewery" spring to mind when people talk about Audi dealers and customer services!! [img]images/graemlins/rocketwhore.gif[/img]

Ok, just tried to waggle the column up and down to recreate the knocking noise you heard. All I could hear was a very faint metallic click (like a relay switching over) from within the column itself but it was extremely quiet and if I had not been listening carefully I wouldn't have noticed it at all.

There are no "heat shield" rattles at 800 (idle), 1000 or 1200 RPM. I had a similar low rev. rattle problem for a couple of weeks on a previous A4 but it disappeared without intervention.

I hope this helps. Post again if you can think of another way to recreate the knocking noise.

Perhaps you could ask your local dealer to use another A4 for a quick road test to demonstrate how this knocking noise is a standard feature for the A4 range?

Darren
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[img]images/graemlins/audiS4black.gif[/img]

Thanks for the reply.

I only hear the rattle/vibration under the car while its moving etc. I hear it quite well while the car is at about 1000rpm in a high gear.

[img]images/graemlins/beerchug.gif[/img]

I'm a bit gutted that you are experiencing a problem that I didn't suffer.

Makes me feel kinda hard done by.

Perhaps if I ask nicely I can give the RS6 back and drive around in my old S4 until the new one comes.........not!

Sorry to be boring but no knocks or rattles from my S4, even when practising steering column onanism.

I am now being told by my local dealer that the vibration noise at the front of the car is the engine cam chains!!

I think they are just guessing what the noise is!! [img]images/graemlins/062802beat_prv.gif[/img]

I can see me getting rid of the S4 soon!!!

I think the noise is the groan coming from your bank manager with the pressure of so many switch transactions at the local esso.

Hi, I too have an annoying rattle at low revs in high gears from underneath- I suspect a loose heatshield or something; could be the exhaust divertor valves at the back ? Anyway I have now doen over 12,000 miles, drivers door seems to have drooped a little, managed a GPS verified 165 in Germany last week. Had a bit of a brown trousers moment when braking hard as a truck pulled out, brakes didn't seem nearly as powerful as I would have imagined. Shurely they must be designed to stop rapidly at least a few times without fading. Conclusion- A great car, what else can you have to do big speeds witha family in poor UK/ European weather ?

No sign of the limiter kicking in at 155?

Darren
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[img]images/graemlins/audiS4black.gif[/img]

Hi

Apparantly the vibration noise is from the chain chains on the back of the engine (near the bulk head). Its a known issue with Audi and they are calling it a characteristic!!

I dont care anymore cos I have sold my S4 now, had enough of it and the useless Audi dealers!! Audi customer services are just as bad!!

I doubt it very much if I will ever buy another new Audi again. I am just gonna run around in a lease car for the time being until I can decide what I wanna do.