Vibration in 2002 A6 4.2

[David]

Have they checked the subframe (if there is one on an A6?)? Those sympotoms are exactly what others with borken/loose subframe bolts.

Dave


>
> From: James Zwahlen <jzwahlen at houston.rr.com>
> Date: 2003/08/12 Tue PM 09:14:57 EDT
> To: quattro at audifans.com
> Subject: Vibration in 2002 A6 4.2
>
> Has anyone experienced in problems with a uncurable vibration in the A6
> 4.2?
>
> My 2002 A6 4.2 was delivered in May of 2002, and currently has 17k miles
> on it.  Shortly after delivery we began to notice a vibration most
> noticeable between 45 and 55 MPH manifesting itself as a shaking of the
> steering wheel and mild to moderate vibration felt in the seats.
> Although noticeable when driving straight, it is more pronounced when
> making gentle sweeping curves.  It is noticeable at speeds up to at
> least 80mph although at a much higher speed-related frequency. At high
> speeds the vibration makes the car feel 'nervous'.  I first took the car
> to the dealer to fix the problem at 3,800 miles and it has been back to
> the dealer 4 times and they have been unable to sort out the problem.
> The dealer has:
>
> Balanced the original OEM tires (ContiSportContact)numerous times,
> including a higher tech wheel and tire matching.
>
> Replaced front brake rotors (I believe there was a mild warpage of the
> rotors)
>
> I replaced the ContiSportContacts under warranty and got the 'new and
> improved' ContiExtremeContacts.  Installed at Goodyear.  These new tires
> made absolutely no difference in the vibration.
>
> After four visits and 13k miles of dealing with the dealer, I called
> Audi Customer Service and they are working with the dealer to arrive at
> a solution to the problem.  Both the dealer and Audi seem committed to
> arriving at a fix.
>
> The dealer has now tried other tire/wheel sets (all used) on the car
> with no improvement.  The dealer inspected and tested the wheels 17" and
> they say they are true.  It's taking between 3-5 ozs per tire to get
> them in balance but they are balancing.  After swapping out one tire
> with TireRack, the road forces are reading between 3 and 10.
>
> They have replaced all four axles.  No good.
>
> The dealer is now looking at the tires again (the new ExtremeContacts
> have less that 400 miles on them) and the dealer thinks the tires are
> not seating properly on the wheels and 'squirming' on the wheels.
> Continental was contacted again for warranty and are inspecting the
> tires again tommorow.
>
> Have any of you experienced a similar problem?  Please email me direct
> at jzwahlen at houston.rr.com.
>
> Currently,
> 2002 A6 4.2
> 2001 S4
> 1994 Porsche 968
>
> Formerly,
> 1993 100CS
> 1987 5000CS TQ
> 1985 5000S
>
>
>
>