Front Suspension noises.

[quattrokid]

I have a B7 2.0TDi Quattro avant 2007, which has had a knocking from the front suspension since I got it. So far it hasn't really got any worse but I am thinking I should do something about it. At times it can be more noticeable than others, almost like the noise is behind the dashboard but I guess it's a kind of referred noise?
When I got the car I was told it was brake pads, so I re-built the brakes, nothing obvious was loose or rattling and guess what, it made no difference. I checked all the ball and suspension joints but I couldn't feel any movement, so I concluded it probably needed ne control arms.
I thought maybe to let it develop a bit may make the diagnosis easier and I wanted to buy good quality stuff, so convinced myself it was best left for now. Are the arms usually all replaced (4)? I ask because I notice ECP only stock certain ones, from memory the top ones and one of the bottoms but it doesn't look like you could buy them all there which seems strange, maybe they are trying to tell me something. Do you guys have any better suppliers? Another thing is it's been lowered, in the last year I would say but the dampers etc have not been changed. I also read somewhere that you shouldn't tighten certain things up after fitting until the car is on the ground, possible damage to bushes if I remember correctly. Is it possible I might have this if some chimp has loosened things of to fit the springs and then re-tightened with the car jacked?
I also saw this; Knocking noise solved!! (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php/171357-Knocking-noise-solved)!! on here, I never considered the Top mounts, is it likely mine could be the same or is this unusual? I assume the suspension would need stripped to see, possibly I should just plan to put it off the road for a week sometime, strip, look and buy what it needs, then fit? Does that sound like a good plan?

[rowdy-999]

It could be loads of things. The knocking coming from 'behind the dash' area could indicate top mounts. I'd be dubious of any lowered suspension on standard dampers.

[niall campbell]

you have done the right thing in letting the fault develop as it can save you money, which it looks like if you start replacing everything, you will not do.

Take it to a garage you trust, and get them to have a look.

It could be a broken spring, worn shockers, drop links or anything really.

I had an old A6 that passed 3 MOT's until the part failed enough to see what the problem was , it used to annoy the life out of myself.

[quattrokid]

Rowdy-999; It's interesting that you think the noise from behind the dash could be top mounts, this is what made me doubt my original diagnosis that it was probably the control arms. The noise that seems to be worse sometimes that others, almost like it only happens when it is now particular position. Just when I think about it, I had the battery/tray etc out to clean when I was doing the plenum chamber drains and there was nothing loose or anything in that area.

Niall; I am confident the springs are fine, they are virtually new and I have checked them pretty well. Dampers are a possibility, do I have drop links I don't remember seeing them but there was no obvious play in anything else. I have a healthy dis-like of most Garages, so I will probably do the work myself, I have done lots of car suspension previously, just not an A4 but I am keen to learn as I like the car, not so keen in this weather.
I am not is a rush to do the job but just starting to think about buying stuff, may be some Christmas bargains out there, you never know? Anyone have any idea where I could just buy all the stuff I need, I wondered about All German parts, I have bought stuff from them before and they were pretty good?