i have a freind that just bought a 1997 audi a4 and when u press the brakes it responds with a loud hard clunking sound from the drivers wheel the clunk is felt throghout the car and also effects the steering wheel (shaking) what can cause this issue?

 

the pad is prob not on right take it apart and check it

 

Check all the bolts too - if one is loose the torque of hitting the brakes can cause trouble.

 

update i took it for a drive today and watched the wheel while i pressed the brake. when it begins to shake and klnock i can see the drivers wheel moving back about a half an inch then jumping back to its normal location it does it fast and corresponds to the knocking sound. brake pads looked fine lots of pad still left and nothing seems loose.

 

I think I already posted a reply on one of the other forums to your question...but did you check the control arms? That's my guess.

 

Yeah it does sound like one or more ball joints are shot.

 

Im experiencing a similar problem. I replaced ALL control arms and still am experiencing this. Turns out my cousin is an ex-Audi tech and he says that it could be caused by the engine carrier being loose or having worn bushings. I'm going to look at that this weekend. If i find it, ill be sure to let u know!

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/AUDI-...Q5fAccessories i talked him into buying this kit. do u think this will fix the issue?

 

I have the same problem but I think I know why mine does it. I can tell my front rotors are warped by how the car reacts during slow breaking. I only hear the knocking at high speeds so I figure it's one of the front shocks knocking since the vibrating has more force. I know the front right shock is blown by how it clunks when I go diagonal up a ramp or driveway.

 

this happened to me before and it was because my passenger lower control arm broke, that would cause it to steer to one side when breaking.

as for the knocking sound when breaking, it would be my break pads not sitting properly..although it may be LOOK ok, or even feel tight in place..i took it off and reinstalled it firmly. then the problem went away.