Ok, I have this whomp, whomp, whomp sound that won't go away. It isn't dependant on the RPM but rather the speed of the car. I have taken it to two mechanics and they can't seem to figure it out. I have replaced the bearing and the tires and the problem persists. I don't think it is the CV joints and the mechanics agree.

I was wondering if it could be something in the trans? I doesn't seem like it should be but I grasping at straws now. Also the ESP light is constantly on and the battery has a drain on it which seems to make the instrument cluster reset every time I start the car. The battery barely gets the starter to turn over.

Could this have something to do with the haldex unit? How often do they need to be serviced. What happens if it isn't serviced because I doubt the previous owner ever did it.

Thanks for your help!

Mark

 

speed related issue would not be trans, it'd be like you said, tires, bearings, maybe driveshaft or differential...

 

sounds like at least a few of your issues are related. Take it to the dealership so they can find out what the ESP is all about. That should be a good start. They can't charge you for an estimate, so you might be able to get a better idea of what's going on..

 

abs?? i have a friend that had a problem with his abs system and it would make a funny noise at all speeds tho. wasn't an audi tho.

 

How old is your battery? Are the tops clean & touching correctly? How you ever had you alt replaced? Sounds like a electrical problem (ie, bad ground etc).

 

As far as the battery draining, take it to auto zone, advance auto, or napa...any of those places will test your battery and alternator for free

 

Describe this "whomp whomp" sound. Are you saying that as you increase speed it gets louder, or are you saying that the noise gets 'faster' so to speak?

 

If the sound gets faster as the car goes faster, I would look at the wheel bearings.

 

How would wheel bearings differ from tires out of balance?

 

If the tire and wheel were out of balance it would be a vibration in the car/steering wheel at speed. Symptom of a bad wheel bearing is noise, so if a wheel is making "funny" noises when driving (squeaks, chirps, squeals, moans, etc.), or you hear a grinding noise when turning, it may indicate a bad wheel bearing. Other symptoms include steering wander or possibly a pull to one side when braking.

To check a wheel bearing, grasp the tire at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions and attempt to rock the tire. If you feel any play, the bearings are loose and need to be replaced. Also, rotate the tire by hand. Any roughness or noise from the bearings would also tell you the bearings are worn or damaged and need to be replaced.