Help! Clunk in Suspension - Tech says Fr End OK!??
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,636
From: Morristown, NJ
Well, thanks for all the advice.
I have to say that there was an element from each of you that responded.
My first call from the tech was to tell me that he'd check everything on the right side after an extensive road test and he didn't find anything.
Originally, i had told him to go slow over uneven surfaces (train track, speed bump, etc.), and that would produce the sound on the right side.
He said he did that - slow, fast, uneven road surfaces, bumps - and nothing. At that point i began to get the sense he'd given up/moved on and didn't want to look further. I told him, you got to look again. if i have to live with that sound, i'll sell the car.
But, he's a decent guy, and so he said that he'd do another road test to see if he could repeat the problem.
Next call:
Sure enough, he went slow, as i told him (over train tracks), and he heard this clunking sound. So, he brought it back the shop and pulled the right front and checked everything again, and, lo, and behold, the UPPER CONTROL ARM bushings were shot.
He replaced both uppers, and it's working beautifully - no need to sell the car
Thanks, everyone - ObnoxiousD, TeeterT, Kevace1, jjcrt2, Kriptonik.
All your suggestions were helpful!!
Best regards...
I have to say that there was an element from each of you that responded.
My first call from the tech was to tell me that he'd check everything on the right side after an extensive road test and he didn't find anything.
Originally, i had told him to go slow over uneven surfaces (train track, speed bump, etc.), and that would produce the sound on the right side.
He said he did that - slow, fast, uneven road surfaces, bumps - and nothing. At that point i began to get the sense he'd given up/moved on and didn't want to look further. I told him, you got to look again. if i have to live with that sound, i'll sell the car.
But, he's a decent guy, and so he said that he'd do another road test to see if he could repeat the problem.
Next call:
Sure enough, he went slow, as i told him (over train tracks), and he heard this clunking sound. So, he brought it back the shop and pulled the right front and checked everything again, and, lo, and behold, the UPPER CONTROL ARM bushings were shot.
He replaced both uppers, and it's working beautifully - no need to sell the car
Thanks, everyone - ObnoxiousD, TeeterT, Kevace1, jjcrt2, Kriptonik.
All your suggestions were helpful!!
Best regards...
1st Gear
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 88
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
hey i have the same problem, how much is it for a set of control arms? and most likely you need to replace the control arms on both sides because you can not just buy a new bushing or a single arm? and how hard is it to replace them yourself?
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,636
From: Morristown, NJ
a full set of control arms from Blauparts runs $470 for the OCAP setup. There are a couple of write-ups around detailing how to go about installing them, I used the one from AudiWorld.com. You want to take your time with this job, when I did mine, I used the whole weekend. All you really need is the space to work on the car. Basic tools can get the job done.
There are different was to go about installing the arms. Some will take a piece off and then replace the new. I chose to take everything out as one and replace it all at the same time.
There are different was to go about installing the arms. Some will take a piece off and then replace the new. I chose to take everything out as one and replace it all at the same time.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6
I have had a similar clunking problem at slow speeds on relatively rough ground. I've replaced most of the suspension myself (control arms, struts, strut mounts, tie rod ends, etc..) and the issue still persists. I have spent untold hours under my car fixing many of the issues that plague this year/model (99 A4 Quattro) and have shaken, pushed, tapped and muscled every imaginable piece of suspension I can to determine what is the cause. It sounds as if my car is about to rattle apart! I recently moved and the gravel goat path that is my driveway makes it way more noticeable. I may not be a seasoned mechanic, and this may sound foolish, but the only thing that makes any noise when I move it (while under the car) is my front axles. They make a similar clunk when I push them up and down. They don't have much play, but it may be enough. Any thoughts on this? Could they have too little grease in them? I replaced them over a year ago and used all of the grease that came with them. It is the only thing I can think of! All elements of my suspension seem tight. Help me solve this riddle!
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djblaize
Archive - Wheels/Brakes/Suspension
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Dec 5, 2008 12:19 AM
