I've had continuous front end problems with my 132K 1996 A4. I've had several (4-5) control arm replaced. I now feel a clunking, and I feel a long low rattle in the steering. Kinda like I usually feel with the control arms. I have had it looked at 2 different places and had 2 repairs. The first was a tie rod end (problem continued) and the second was the left front wheel axle ( which they rebuilt since they could not get a hold of a new one). So $600 later I feel the rattle and now the car vibrates on the highway 70-80 mph. This repair was done 5 days ago. New tires and alignment were done prior to the wheel axle replacement.

The repair place (second one) sells a lot of used A4's, so I thought that they knew how to fix this car. I've asked them to look at the control arms, but they say that they are all ok. They told me to bring it back.....any ideas? I'm not up for shelling out a lot more money. I just want the damn thing fixed.

Thanks, Mary

 

well, you've covered all the bases. ties rods, axles, control arms...
Have you wheels balanced lately? Maybe your shocks are dead.

 

Yeah... it sounds like there is another issue that is contributing to the ongoing front end problems.
Possible culprits would be the tire/wheels and shocks as brrman suggested.
Do you live in an area with poor roads or with speed bumps. BTW: Speed bumps are horrible for Audis; you may think the car is riding over them without issue, but if you go faster than a crawl, they will eat your front suspension like a midday snack.

 

Is there a sure way to tell if the shocks are dead? I too hear some front end noise when i hit a pot hole on the road. And it seems my rear suspension seems abit softer than normal.

 

no to hijack the thread...but i 2 have a similar problem...after 45mph i kinda hear a *dub dub dub * not too loud, but noticeable...my tires are cashed, so could it be that or something more?

 

Upper strut mount bushings can cause clunking and loose steering.

 

Could it be a wheel bearing?

 

whatch know bout that...it was the upper control arms.