I have a problem on my 97 A4 we can't figure out. During tight turns at slow speeds the brake calipers in the front are touching the rims, causing the front wheels to jerk back the opposite direction making a really loud banging noise. We replaced the control arms and half shafts but its still happening and are out of ideas. The rims and brakes are stock and we do have snow tires on but can't figure out why its doing that. The problem did seem to get worse and worse with time. Any ideas???

 

You sure its really the caliper hitting the wheel? Sounds to me like a tie rod issue.

 

That could be we didnt think the calipers hitting would cause such a crashing noise we just noticed they were hitting the inside of the rims thanks we'll check it out. Any other possibilities?

 

there's no way the calipers could touch the wheels. check your subframe too

 

If you rim is hitting your brake caliper then your wheel is loose. If its not then see if there is constant rubbing of the rim on the caliper or just in spots. If its just in spots then the rim is bent.

But I would doubt either of the two and would mostly lean toward your tire being lose.

If its none of the above its prolly tie rods or something of that nature.

 

had that happen to me when i had my brake pads replaced. right wheel would rub against the caliper on one spot, but they removed and remounted the wheel correctly and it was fine. but he's not giving symptoms of that. it wasnt that loud and wasnt effecting the drivability nor making the car jerk. my money is on the tie rods, or maybe even incorrectly installed control arms and the arm where the uppers go into and where the pinch bolt is, is rubbing against the tires, causing friction.

 

in the mean time i suggest you DONT make tight turns until this is resolved, especially if it is in fact steering/suspension related. lol