drpeterj

What is this? 98 A4 2.8 Avant. 155K.

Steering always feels loose. Clunking/cracking noise at very low speeds (especially when stopped) when turning the wheel. Happens intermittently, but almost always when the car is stopped and I'm turning the wheel dramatically (eg - during parallel parking).

any ideas?

Hightone64

lol simple sounds like my car but not completly same of loose sterring but the cracking noise might be your axle where the clunking noise is coming from. have you opened your hood? anything different?

drpeterj

eh doubt it's the axle. Clutch recently replaced, front CV joints recently lubricated (you basically have to remove the axle to do this and I'm pretty sure my mechanic would have seen something all he works on is Audi/VW/Porsche/BMW). Was just in for oil change and he always inspects all my suspension parts - control arms and tie rods OK.

Alignment is good. Loose steering has been going on for a while...can this just be worn suspension? shocks/struts/springs are original.

creaking/cracking noise is new.

Can this be a steering rack? I know I've still got the original one...no loss of power steering and no power steering leaks though.

Hightone64

hmm the clunking noise might be something new and have nothing to do with the steering, turn on your car pop the hood and check the belt and check your fan if its hitting anything, it could be your timing belt have you ever had your timing belt checked?

Pete@ECSTuning

This sounds like a classic upper strut mount. The mounts are not costly either. They wear out and will cause general loosened suspension, particularly over bumps and turns. They aren't exactly easily inspectable either without dropping a strut, which may be why your mechanic missed it.

We carry them, very inexpenssive and I recommend Meyle. We have two in stock if you would like to order them up! Click here for upper strut mounts.

plekko

I had the same problem, after having new shocks on the front, it turn out to be loose bolts on the top of the shock, tightend them and problem solved. Maybelook there first.

SmoothJimmo

sure sounds like tie-rod ends to me. double check.

john.galt

I second that. I did mine two days ago.

tuccatucca

CHECK THIS

https://www.audiworld.com/forums/sho....php?t=1715833