Re: 90 CQ Front suspension noises...

[Chris Maresca <ckm@eainet.com>]

I solved it, thanks to Todd Candey's suggestion.

Todd suggested the steering rack might be loose from the firewall.  This
wasn't the case, but at least I was going the right direction.

The problem was that the "U" bolt to which fastens the tie-rods to the
steering rack was loose.

My mechanic, who was involved in the process, says he recalls seeing an
Audi about four years ago with a rusted/loose "U".  That's because it's not
really a "U", but a plate with two bolts welded on.

Anyway, I thought you all would like to know.  If you have any weird
twanging or kthunk-twang sort of noises during low-speed lock-to-lock
maneuvers, it might be that.  I would guess this applies to all sorts of
Audis, not just the CQ.

Note that the noises sound exactly like those made by a spring being
twisted and the snapping into place.

Thanks all for the suggestions.  This would not have been solved with out
the list...

Chris.
'90 CQ

P.S. This might be one for the 20v web page.

>> All,
>>
>> I just had new Koni's (missed Todd's cheap ones) and 2Bennett bushings
>> installed in the front of my '90 CQ.
>>
>> All this was done in the hope of fixing some of the supension noises I was
>> having (all other usual susp. have been replaced, e.g. upper strut
>> bearings, misc. rubber bits, tie rod ends, nuts & bolts of various kinds).
>> The supension noises are "twangs" that occur during low speed parking lot
>> type manuevers.  All the new hardware in my car has not helped this problem.
>>
>> My mechanic thinks that the OEM springs are turning slightly in the
>> mounting "cups", perhaps because the springs are shot.  He suggested trying
>> to pad either the spring or the "cup" to prevent the rotating and hence the
>> "twang".  Evidently, some Japanese cars have this.
>>
>> Does anyone have any other ideas what it might be?  Could it be CV joints
>> making strange sounds (boots look OK)?  Front wheel bearings (no movement
>> at wheel...)?
>>
>> Thanks for the help.
>>
>> Chris.
>> '90 CQ