John P. (TT 225)

As I've posted for years, I seem to have had the same put-the-car-in-reverse-and-start-backing-up-and-POP-from-the-front-right-suspension as many of you have experienced.

About a month ago I replaced the front upper strut mounts and bearings, and (as I expected) this had no effect on the pop. Years ago I tried torquing subframe bolts, etc.--no change.

This weekend I installed my DEFCON 3 kit, and today I've had no pop. It might be too early to speculate, but if it's been fixed, the problem would relate to:
1. either of the two bushings themselves--the rear one was cracked/split a bit;
2. the bushing bolts not being torqued enough;
3. play in the arm-ball joint bolts (3). I didn't see any evidence of movement there, though, and my tire wear hasn't indicated anything, either.

I'm inclined to think it might relate to the torquing of the bushing bolts.

Go ahead & track this thread if you're interested and I'll post a follow up after a few more days.

JohnLZ7W

Replaced strut mounts and no change, didn't go away with new control arm bushings either. Installed new sway bar links and tie rod ends yesterday, will see if that fixed it in a few minutes.

GorTT

not sure it was your issue, but the links are the same, and it's possible it was loose on one side; anyway, fwiw.<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/tt/threads/433581.phtml#1577875">https://forums.audiworld.com/tt/threads/433581.phtml#1577875</a</li></ul>

N9909E

And the ball joint bolts were obviosly tight. I woitnessed the work when the car was up on the lift. I still think it's the upper spring perch binding against the strut bushing.

Russ Scott

drive the car, noise comes back...

I thought I'd finally bagged it with new ball joints, the passenger's was kinda "crunchy". Driver's was still smooth at 148k. I replaced both, ahhhh... silence! for awhile...

The noise returned on the run back from TT east.

Everything that can be replaced except the steering rack, has been replaced.

Yesterday I had the front end up to clean wheels, and retorqued stuff: ball joints, control arms, anti sway links, etc

nothing was loose, but it's quiet again

J. Patterson

Thanks-- tracking thread :-)

crabman

it turned out to be a sticking rear caliper. When the e-brake is set, it sticks in a bit until in motion.

Yes,I know what I said "rear caliper" , but it does sound like it comes from the front. Lift your rear wheel, release the e-brake and spin the wheel backwards. . . you might be surprised.

pattreek

I am thinking that the new, full depth tread is deforming more when turned full lock, and reversing, causing the pressure to be somewhat less on the suspension parts? Of course, this doesn't get me closer to finding out /which/ suspension component is the culprit.

pattreek
2001 TTQC

John P. (TT 225)

Yes, new wheels &amp; tires at the same time.

J. Patterson

Good observation. I've noticed that too. Easy to forget as you only get tires every 20K or so.