Hi all, new to the forum, don't usually join these things, but have been on for a while looking around, seems like a cool place for info on the great car we all love and own! I've also been trying to dig up archives on info for a 'minor' but irritating problem I've had since my '01 S4 Avant was new, but with little luck... I'm sure ImolaS4 will correct me though if I missed it! :-) (sorry in advance if i did!) I did see a 'bang' problem in there somewhere, but mine is quite different. I have a 6 speed, no mods on the car to date (it's a lease, up in July 05 when I will most likely buy the car, and will probably commence with at least a chip!). OK, to my problem - At speeds above 35, but mostly at highway speeds, when I accelerate from a relaxed pace, without downshifting, the car will occasionally 'bump'... it feels like drivetrain or trans, but the dealer has never been able to trace it, and I ask every time I take it in for service. Again, this is not under hard acceleration, and is VERY random-I can't MAKE it happen if I try.... Any ideas?

thanks in advance........

 

hmmm...very strange. When the car "bumps" does it lunge forward, or is it purely a sound? Only thing I can think of is a snub mount.

 

hey, thanks for the reply..... the best I can describe is it feels like a delay in the trans-axle or something, the car does not lunge, if anything it slows it down for a split second, but it is a definite 'thump'... my very unprofessional opinion it has something to do with the quattro system...It always happens so fast, so really paying attention to what the car does is difficult...like I said, it's very random, and can't GET it to do it, but will try and pay attention more if (when) it happens again and give a better explanation... to you AND the dealer!

Also, can you point me in the direction of an archive for finding the best chip/exhaust for the car? If you have any opinions on the subject I'll be happy to take note....

 

I have searched for soem tech help with the install and cannot find it. Any help? Where can I find a good new one?

 

As far as chips the two major players are ARP and GIAC. Exhaust, well there are so many choices.

a tech writeup for what rabthol???

 

I have this identicle problem as you describe. A clunk noise - perhaps a bit of a lurch (almost imperceptable)....and I have a 2001 Avant (6 speed). I have no idea what is going on - and it only happens rarely.

BTW I run an APR chip. Have been very happy with it - though in last several months have been experiencing major boost issues - (see thread I started on this) - don't know if its the chip or some other issue...

Great car though - fast, handles well, looks good, comfortable...and hauls stuff too!

 

I have the same problem on my 6 speed S4 sedan. My first guess is that the "clunk" we hear/feel is play in the drivetrain. It could be as simple as the clutch, but I dont' want to make a wrong assumption. So far, it does not feel critical, and my previuos car (2004 SVT Cobra) had a similar issue at just 5k miles!

One question, though... And this may be related. Do you guys' notice shifter movement in every gear? I mean, you'll be cruising at any speed and whenever you gently let off the gas the shifter will move slightly (about half an inch)... If so, was that movement there when you first got the cars? I got my S4 used, so I don't know if that's normal or if I should be worried (though I got a warranty with it).

 

I have come to believe that the "clunk" was my engine and transmission mounts. Think about it. And since I replaced both I no longer have this problem.

 

i had this same thing it sound like, but for me it was the rear differential u might ask your dealship to check it out

 

Yea its def one of the mounts, i got the same thing. Its none of the motor mounts because I have replaced them.