I have a 97 A4 1.8 Quattro and when creeping slowly, I hear a grinding (semi soft popping) sound. What problems could this be? is it something I can handle myself?

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does it get worse when turning?
Could be a bad bad control arm (the ball joint - not the bushing)
Could be something stuck in your brakes, could be a bad CV joint...

 

It is most noticeable when backing out of my garage straight, and when I first start off forward. After that I probably cannot hear it. I can slightly "feel" it in the steering too.

 

are your brake pads secure? They may be clanking around in your caliper. Most pads have some sort of adhesive on the back of them - after a while it can stop working and the pad will float freely in the caliper until you brake enough to seat them.

You sure its coming from the wheels?

 

I'm pretty sure. Will applying the brakes aggresively reattach the adhesive? I've already taken the car in once for them to check. The weather truned really cold and they dismissed it saying they couldn't find anything (and a bill of $97.00).

 

once that adhesive lets the pad off - it normally fills with brake dust and will no longer stick... kinda like if you dropped a fresh piece of masking tape in a dustbin... Applying the brakes will seat the pads, but it won't keep them there indefinitely.

do your brakes squeak at all?

 

i'd definitly check your brakes to.