[s-cars] front end clicking problem

[Lee Levitt]

Mike writes:
> I have a 1994 s4 with around 100 miles.  I am experiencing
> similar symptoms as in this earlier posting on this discussion forum:
>
> http://www.audifans.com/pipermail/s-car-list/2003-July/018524.html
>
> I pasted the text of this to the end of this posting as well.
>
> This problem sounds similar to mine in a number of ways.  I have
> replaced both front struts with the oem bogie struts.  I had the
> driver's side shock tower strut assembly dissasembled and one of
> the studs welded to ensure that the assembly would be rigid.  The
> dealer where I got the car supposidly also had replaced both
> strut bearings at around 83k miles.  Before these where replaced,
> there was considerable shimmying in the wheel at highway speeds.
> When the driver's side strut was removed, someone, likely a
> dealer, had siliconed the strut in making it an absolute
> nightmare to remove.  The new struts seem to sit securely in the
> towers.  It would be difficult to imagine them moving around in
> the towers but anything is possible.
>
> I was also wondering about the stearing rack issue that this last
> discussion thread noted.  The technical editor on this site
> mentioned he had heard of this problem and something to due with
> rack mount bushings.  The symptoms are very similar to the ones
> noted in the thread.  I have a slight clicking sound when turning
> the wheel back and forth.  When going over dips in the road or
> driveway curbs you also can notice a noise.  I have new
> performance z tires and everything is balenced.  I have replaced
> one passenger side tie rod as well.  Please let me know if anyone
> has any thoughts or ideas on this problem.


My right front strut made a series of clicking noises, and my mechanic
dissuaded me from doing anything expensive about it. He greased the upper
strut mount and so far the clicking has gone away. You can test this by
spraying some WD 40 into the upper strut mount area to see if the noise will
temporararily go away.

My mechanic indicated that he has seen new upper strut mounts make this same
noise, so R&R is no guarantee of getting rid of the noise!

HTH,

Lee
'95.5 S6 avant
'96 A6 quattro avant