Re: 4KQ, Suspesion Vibration & Clunk

["Jon" <jwilliam@cyberzone.net>]

Damon,

I have a 1987.5 CGT with just over 100k.

>  Car: 1987 4000 CS Quattro with over 100K mi.
> 
> Possible Problem Areas: Suspension, Steering, Brakes
> 
> Indications:  
> *  Vibration felt through steering wheel at freeway speeds, 
>      not severe but annoying.

Exactly what my car was experiencing, usually between 70-75 
mph.

> *  Clunk noise when straightening wheel after backing out 
>     of a parking space.

Yup, same here.  I have a long uphill driveway, and when backing 
out of it and turning onto the road I would hear a clunk.

> *  Clunk noise when hitting bumps, speed bumps and driveway 
>     entrances.

Not so much that.

> *  Some oscillation under hard braking with a clunk in the last 
>     couple of feet before coming to a complete stop.

I would get the oscillation under hard braking. It was especially 
pronounced when breaking on a downhill grade.

> *  Tow angle feels OK, the car does not pull to one side on the 
>     freeway.

I didn't notice this either.

...snip...

> I found some radial play in the steering rack of about 2 to 3 
> degrees and couldn’t feel any looseness in the ball joints or 
> tie-rod ends.  Not knowing how much play is acceptable
> in the rack, I had a “reputable” Audi shop look at it.  They 
> said that everything was tight and that the control arm bushing 
> where OK.  They didn’t feel much on the test drive.  I was not 
> overly impressed with their evaluation; they failed to inspect the 
> brake rotors as requested.
> 
> Work done in this area in the past includes new outer CV joint 
> on the left, new rotors and non-metallic pads, H&R springs, 
> Boge T-gas cartridges, and new strut bearings all about two to 
> three years ago.  Brake pressure proportioning valve was 
> replaced about a year ago.

I'm having the control arm bushings, tie-rod ends replaced.  In fact, 
most of the front end is getting replaced.  I think the only stuff 
staying are the struts, which were purchased at 55k.  


Jon
New London, CT
87.5 CGT completely stock, the way nature intended
(under the knife, as we speak)