Greetings, This is my first post, and unfortunately is one related to repair.

A few months ago, I purchased a 2004 A4 1.8T Quattro automatic with about 90,000 miles on it. Everything seemed fine at the time, and was happy with the buy. I love the car (and was too busy driving it instead of introducing myself!). But about a month ago, I started getting some sounds and vibrations similar to what a flat tire feels like--and since the tires needed replacing, I figured it was them and didn't pay as much attention as I should have.

I just installed new tires, but now the vibration is even louder and heavier. So loud that the stereo can't even drown it out. It is coming from what sounds like the front driver's-side wheel, and I can feel it through the car itself (under my feet, and from the automatic shifter).

I have a very trusted mechanic who will be taking a look, but he is overbooked for the next 1.5 weeks (he's that good), and figured I can do a little research to find out what it may be in the meantime, and how much I might be looking at paying out to fix it.

It's basically the sound of a tire going flat or bad, but it has happened with both the old worn tires, and the brand new tires. It's a little quieter when I turn left, and louder when I turn right. Otherwise, it's constantly there, no matter what speed I am driving. It's rhythm is in sync with the speed of the car. I'm also worried about weather the car is currently safe to drive.

Thank you for any tips,

Court

 

Sounds to me like a bearing or front axle. Honestly, I would not drive it until you get it checked by the mechanic. I'm surprised the tire guys did not at least look at the suspension or notice if there was a lot of play in the wheel.