Front End Noise
 

I have had my 2001 A8L for 2 years, when i first got it had a front end shimmy around turns while braking, I had the rotors and brakes replace and it seemed fine. Not to long after I noticed a clunking while going over rough road, it got worse and worse over time and definatly sounded like a bad ball joint, i read that the control arms start to go at about 70k and since I bought it used I dont know exactly how or where it was driven. So I decided to get the kit from Blauparts and last week i replaced the passenger front arms, upper and lower (really not a bad job to do).

So it seems better, although I detect that slight clunking over rough roads. I kind of reminds me of my 1976 Oldmobile Starfire whose front calipers had plastic spacers that had to be changed every 2000 miles or so.

Any Ideas?

Thanks

RE: Front End Noise
 

Did you replace the tie rods?

RE: Front End Noise
 

Hmm, at what mileage did your A8 start shimmying during turns while braking? Seems a bit early for it to start doing that, that usually appears on cars with 80K+ miles. I have never heard of such a recent A8 do that.

RE: Front End Noise
 

No, thats the one thing I didn't do. They came in the kit, but i didn't change them yet.

RE: Front End Noise
 

I bought the car with like 55-57k on it.

RE: Front End Noise
 

Yeah, change the tie rods. I changed the control arms and my creaking noise went away. They usually account for 75% of the odd noises. the only other things I can think of are the wheel bearings, a torn cv boot or your axle. But I'd bet it's the tie rods.

I also used blau's meyle kit. They don't have the best reputation. I know several people including my mechanic who said the meyle parts failed on them within 3-6 months. So keep an eye out.

RE: Front End Noise
 

Gave up, went to the dealer, they say I have a cracked spindle. With labor about 900....yikes