I have a 2006 A4, it was lowered by the previous owner and I've been having issues with the Axel breaking. Finally got a factory axel in and it was doing good. Now when I turn the steering wheel whenever I start the car in the morning it makes a cracking or maybe rubbing noise. It doesn't last all day though. Any insight?

 

It's a 2.0T

 

Yep.. Classic CV Joint going bad. Most of time it's more of a pop-pop-pop when turning the wheel. Especially the further it gets from straight. Sometimes it will go away as the ball bearings settle in another area on the bearing faces. But since you say the car was lowered, I'd check the inner fender liners for scuffing that would indicate a tire rub first. Especially on inner side of the tire.

 

Hey appreciate the feedback, I've replaced the axel and CV joint multiple times. I'm also pretty positive the tires don't rub.