My 03 A6 2.7T (86,000 miles)is making a knocking noise whenever I hot a bump in the road. It used to do it rarely on bigger bumps but now it is much louder and happening on most uneven roads. Noise is like metal knocking, kind of hollow sound. In my old chrysler 300m I fixed this issue by replacing the sway bar bushings that wore out, but I have no idea if such a thing exists on the A6. I have not taken the wheels off to take a look it yet. I also repalced my front axels in early spring. Any advise is highly appreciated, I would like to know what to check for before I tear into it. Thanks in advance.

 

I believe there are a few different things it could be:

• Steering column is loose somewhere (normally makes sounds when turning however)
• Front lower-back control arms are either bad or the bushings are giving out (most likely)
• Front struts/shocks have not been tightened enough and are hitting the top cap thing (if you haven't changed these, it's not your problem).

 

Front control arms or sway bar bushings/end links. Get a kit. Get a QUALITY kit, not the cheap kit.

Bob

 

Bob is right. One or more of your 8 control arms is loose at the bushing or ball joint end. It is best to replace all 8 at once along with the tie rod ends and sway bar links. Then get a good alignment.

Since you have a 2003, you will need the kit from a certain VIN up (sorry that I don't remember the number.). There was a split somewhere in MY 2002 which included an updated lower front control arm on both sides. The older one will fit in your car, but it will be a PITA to get it back out it needed.

Plan on spending $600-$725 for a good QUALITY kit, typically Febi brand, and install yourself or pay an indy to do it. You'll have a tight suspension again for the next 80k miles, and if you have the factory sport suspension, don't be shocked when the right gets a bit rougher. That is how it is susposed to be.

 

Thanks for the info, really appreciate it. I had a feeling it was something in that area. One other thing, do any of you have any preferred places to getthe parts from? Thanks again for hte responses.