So I've had this odd and infrequent clunking noise in the front suspension and couldn't figure it out. Brought it by the audi dealership and the couldn't find any problems either. Yesterday while doing the brakes I finally figured it out. on the passenger side inner tie rod assembly there is a bolt missing. It looks like way too much of a nightmare for me to even bother with but I'd like to know what to call this. Upon looking in the side of the wheel well and moving wheel with the steering locked, i could see something moving quite a bit. Stuck my hand in there (shoulder deep) and it felt like there was a bolt missing. Vertical bolt that goes into frame and probably mounts the end of the steering rack, but its hard to tell. Is this the steering rack that the bolt is missing from or is there a center bearing for the tie rod end.

Sorry so long guys, thanks

 

difficult to say without pictures

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Sounds like you have a rack bolt that has come loose or fell out. There are two bolts that are in the plenum that hold the rack in from the top. Make sure those are tight. Depending on the engine you may have one that goes in from the bottom too. It would be abou two inchs rearward and two inches toward the center of the vehicle from the bolt on the drivers side. A real pita spot.

 

The steering rack bolt sounds very likely and I'm pretty sure its missing. I got my fingers in the spot and either its an empty hole or an allen bolt or I believe the previous post mentioned bolts from the top. How would I access this bolt if it is at the top? So I'm going out on a limb to see if anyone knows where I could purchase that bolt and what would be the easiest angle of attack as it definitely isn't very accessible throught the wheel well. Thanks for the help so far guys.

 

take the battery out. it'll be a 10mm 12 point bolt. it hasnt fallen out. its just loose. or laying in the cowl.

 

The other ones near the brake booster. Pretty easily recognizable. Theyre the only 12 points in the well.