it sounds and feels like i'm running over a bunch of road reflectors. this happens both in city streets and on the highways. any ideas?

 

We're gonna need more info to be of any help to you. Year, model, quattro(?), approx mileage, road speed at onset of symptoms, under brakeing or acceleration, tires, mileage on tires, elapsed time since last brake job (if symptoms under brakeing)...

 

98 A4, 103k miles, stock suspension, tires are still 90% good w/ 205/55/r16's.
this morning it seemed to have gotten worse, i put the car in drive and it seems to feel bumpy right away. and on the streets and highway this morning the front end shook was vibrating...like i'm running over the reflectors on the road. i checked the tires for any bubbles or tire chunks missing but everything was fine.

 

This is just a wild guess, but maybe the wheel is off balance?

 

Did it "bump" when you put it in gear? Could be an engine mount.

 

Cud be wheel bearings, too. But that usually manifests itself as more of a grinding than a bumpiness. Best way to do a field check is to park the car on level ground, wheels pointed straight. Stand adjacent to the wheel and place your foot on the top of the side of the tire (either one, but ONLY one, as using both will cause you to fall on our azz). Push, SHARPLY, with your foot against the tire. If you feel ANY looseness... Any wiggleing... Anything you might misconstrue as metal bumping against metal, it cud be your wheel bearings. Repeat for other side remembering to use ONLY one foot, lest you fall on your azz over there, too.

An absense of these symptoms doesn't absoutely rule out wheel bearings, but if you DO feel them, it probably is.

Also, it might nt be a bad idea to have an experienced (read: non-shadetree) mechanic check out your tie-rod ends. I don't know if/where there might be suspension bushings for your year/model (others with more specific knowledge of your y/m will chime in, I'm sure), but maybe have him visually inspect those, too, if they exist...

That's all I can think of, at the moment. NEbody else...?

 

well, i just droped the car off with my machanic during my lunch break. i'll post up what he says later tonight. hopefully my wallet won't be hurting[&:]

 

Any word on it yet?