a4bostonnorth

Looking for insight on front end suspension clunking, on a
1996 Audi A4 Quattro with 95k miles. I was also experiencing the same
symptoms with my 1990 Audi Coupe Quattro.

The clunking noise appears to originate from the top of the strut
towers. It is most noticeable at very low speeds over broken or uneven
pavement, for instance turning onto my dead end street or into my
driveway. There are generally no noises when the car is underway.

All shocks and bushings on my 1990 CQ were replaced, right down to the subframe bushings. and still the tops of strut towers clunked around. Three mechanics inspected or performed work on the car and could not diagnose the problem. Then again I couldn't get any one of them to actually get in the car and test drive it, and hear for themselves the unmistakeable clunking. It's is *loud*. The CQ is extremely tight, now that everything down to the sub-frame
bushings has been replaced, and it gets a clean bill of health from my
mechanic. Yet still the clunking.... (CQ is for sale by the way -
http://lp3music.com/coupe)

I'm now hearing the same clunking sounds coming the A4. The front
suspension on the A4 also clunks when brakes are applied at low speeds.
It sounds as if the caliper is rocking back and forth, but I'm positive
it has nothing to do with the brakes. There is something loose with the
control arms or the struts.

The front passenger side lower control arm was just replaced in the A4,
and presumably everthing was tightened down. And the steering is quite
responsive. Yet still it clunks....

Any insight greatly appreciated.
thanks,
Brett - mellob@alum.rpi.edu

Lambo-Bully

If anybody here could diagnose this one over the forum, you're a GOD! Please send me your phone number, Audi-God...

Sorry, I'd really have to see/hear/drive it to diagnose it...

a4bostonnorth

All vehicles have certain endemic "problem areas."

Audi / Volskwagen valve-tap is an excellent example. Invariably a newbie will post an inquiry about a bizzare clicking noise they hear from their engine shortly after starting and which usually goes away after running for a minute or two.

One does not have to be a GOD to diagnose this problem. Conscious ownership of a VW or Audi for several years is probably adequate.

The expectation that another individual out here in 'netland may have had similar experiences to what I described is perfectly reasonable. Therefore, I would be happy to hear from any individuals who have had front end suspension difficulties.

Thank-you for juvenile and perfectly unconstructive comments nonetheless.
Brett