Can an old shock cause knocking in normal driving??

[Feneris]

2006, A6 C6, 2.0Tdi, 180k. I've replaced most of my from right suspension to try and get rid of a knocking noise. I've replaced the two top arms, the big front lower arm, the shock top mount and the bushing on the lower rear control arm. But the knocking is still there as I go over little bumps! I've tried the pry bar on everything with a rubber bush, nothing seems overly loose. The only thing I've found, with the car jacked up, if I use a long bar under the tyre to raise the tyre a bit (compressing the spring), and then let if drop, I get a quite a clunk, which I don't on the other side. But this is a knock when the shock/spring are fully extending to the limit, which surely won't happen in normal driving. Can the shock absorber itself cause this knocking noise in normal driving?? I don't want to replace both front shocks, to fail again to cure this!!!! Thanks for any advice, Simon

[Gunnark100]

Can the shock absorber itself cause this knocking noise in normal driving?? Thanks for any advice, Simon

Yes! Had this issue on my previous audi!

[S3SteveW]

I would also replace the anti roll bar bushes and drop links to rule these out. They are relatively cheap so worth just replacing


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[B5NUT]

With 180K on the clock they will be just about shot anyway. + If your doing the front shocks the rear will be in even worse condition.

[Feneris]

Thanks, good reminder. I replaced the drop links a year ago for an MOT. I've not touched the anti-roll bar bushes, there doesn't seem too be any play in them at all, but they are a cheap item though. I think I'll replace the front shocks next, and see how much the rears cost. I would replace all four shocks but I need to sell the car soon so I don't want to spend much money on it. I need to buy a LHD one as I now live on the continent. Frustratingly, a ten year old LHD costs abut 50% more than an old RHD, so I've been putting of changing it for a long time!

[Feneris]

Short update - Yes, the old shocks (mainly front right in my case) can cause a banging noise that to me sounded like a ball joint or top mount. Two new Meyle shocks for about £90 have really improved the cars handling. I do have gained another new handling prob, that that's worth a new thread in it's own right.