Audi A4 Quattro - strange noise

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Thu 20 May 2004 10:39
Audi A4 Quattro - strange noise - Dave H
I have a 2002 A4 Quattro and for the last few weeks there has been a strange an intermittent noise.

It happens when I am starting in 1st gear and feels like a muffled bump. I can also feel the bump. It always happens after having moved the car a few feet.

Of course, when I took the car to my Audi dealer, it was behaving and the fault couldn't be detected. They said it was likely to be from the rear differential and is a common feature on 4x4 vehicles.

It is irritating, if not worrying to me. Does anyone have any opinion?

Thanks in advance

Dave
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Thu 20 May 2004 11:23
Audi A4 Quattro - strange noise - billy25
could it be the handbrake sticking on, and releasing suddenly once the wheels start to turn?. does it happen every time you move it, or only after it has been stood a while e.g overnight.

billy.
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Thu 20 May 2004 12:00
Audi A4 Quattro - strange noise - Dave H
Hi Billy

No, it's not the handbrake. The noise/bump happens when setting off from a junction when the handbrake hasn't been applied.

It can happen at any time during a journey, not when initially setting off.

I forgot to mention that it seems to happen more oftyen when there is more 'strain' on the trtansmission, e.g. if the front wheels are turning or if the car is being started on an incline.
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Thu 20 May 2004 12:12
Audi A4 Quattro - strange noise - SjB {P}
On a previous car, I too had a muffled bump when moving off from rest when under load, such as when fully laden or on an uphill incline, and which could also happen at speed.

The cause was a defective suspension ball joint that allowed a tiny degree of movement outside the normal plane due to torque reaction. Given that your problem also occurs when lock is applied (which I assume you mean by 'turning', not rotating!) checking ball joints could be worthwhile.

Mine was cheap and easy to fix once diagnosed, as I hope your problem is too.
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Fri 21 May 2004 10:52
Audi A4 Quattro - strange noise - Dave H
Thanks, SjB

I'll speak with the garage.
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Fri 21 May 2004 11:08
Audi A4 Quattro - strange noise - Peter D
A bottle of water rolling backwards and forwards in the Boot ?? Common Fault. !!!
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Fri 21 May 2004 11:10
Audi A4 Quattro - strange noise - Peter D
Check it is not a shock absorber sticking. I had this on a volvo a few years ago. Regards Peter
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Fri 21 May 2004 12:17
Audi A4 Quattro - strange noise - deslynam
having just rectified a similar problem on a Peugeot 106, we found the lower arms needed replacing along with bushes, could be felt through floor, and showed itself in similar circumstances as you say.
If your garage are lifting the car on a lift muonted under the jacking point not on hydraulic ramps then they won't be able to tell the arms are at fault, they need to be under load I believe.
Just a thought, anyhow...
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