hey guys i have been having a problem on my '03 2.7 for a while now- when i initially hit the brake (only on some stops) i hear a loud single click/clunk sound coming from the bottom front area of the car. When i had the TB done at about 90000 miles (91000 now) the tech checked the control arm bushings and said they were ok for now. Could he have just checked the lower control arms, or do all the arms -not just the bushings- need to be replaced? or could this be a different problem?

thanks for any insight

 

i actually have the same noise coming from the same place under same conditions. usually under a harder brake right? i just replaced my control arms a couple weeks ago, so im dumbfounded. i have to replace my steering fluid because it has no viscosity and my steering rack is getting squeaky, could that be related to steering fluid? or another problem? again i have the same issue as PTEmbree.

 

Make sure your lug nuts are tight! Just a thought. Aluminum rims tend to loosen up easier and that is what holds the rotor still. If they are a little loose that is what you would hear.

 

wish that was it- i always torque them to specs

 

hmm, im pretty sure i torqued them all, but ill check once it stops raining.

 

Sounds like ball joints. With the wheel hanging freely (car on jack or lift) bang on it top and bottom to see if there is any give. May need someone who has changed them there to help you see. Also dont forget there are 4 control arms per front wheel. Power steering squeal could be pully. Good luck!

 

Could be a sticky caliper...

Bob

 

Great, thanks for the ideas... ill definitely take a look at the ball joints and a second look at the calipers. Wow and thats news to me that there are 8 control arms as opposed to 4

 

yea i took a look at the bushings and they all seem fine, next step is the ball joint and wheel bearings...
By the way, since my last post another problem has arisen: when I turn at low speed i hear a groan/creak coming from somewhere in the front end... same problem, or power steering issue?
thanks for any insight

 

I have a 2004 Allroad with a clunk/rattle at low speeds when going over a rough part in the road sounds like a loose ball joint, also a vibration when braking, I have spent hours trying to track it down, I think I have found it, My front brake caliper anchor guide bushings are worn out allowing it to rattle. Hoping it will fix the vibration problem also. Waiting for parts and time to be able to install them, ($28 cdn kit from Audi)