2.5 V6 TDI front suspension

**doggy** · 03-08-2007,03:37 PM

Hi all,

I have a 2001 Quattro Avant which has developed a knocking noise on the nearside front wheel, i hear it especially when turning left out of a junction and accerating hard.

If i hit anything in the road, speed bumps, port holes etc. it feels like that corner of the car has something loose.

Before I start to investigate tomorrow morning I was wondering if there is any specific that tends to go wrong?

Thanks for any help guys, Cheers

**RobDob** · 09-08-2007,09:11 AM

I seem to have the same problem when going over rough ground or speed humps from both front wheels. Presumably suspension? But is it serious and need replacing? My knowledge in the field of automotive engineering is somewhat limited!!

**Lex Luthor** · 09-08-2007,09:17 AM

Originally Posted by doggy

I have a 2001 Quattro Avant which has developed a knocking noise on the nearside front wheel, i hear it especially when turning left out of a junction and accerating hard.

Noises on full lock are usually a drive shaft joint on the way out.

The a4-a6-a8-Passat front suspension is notorious for the bushes, and there are several, wearing out.
When was it last MOT'd ? The tester would find anything unsafe.

**Niall76** · 09-08-2007,07:00 PM

Sounds to me like the suspesion arm bushes are worn. A common prolem with the nose heavy Audi's. Plenty availability of parts though. Find a local specialist to tell you which ones are needed. Then either let them get them or go to Euro carparts or similar and get the stuff you need and either fit yourself or get specialist to do it. The mechanic will do it a lot quicker....

**doggy** · 12-08-2007,09:42 PM

I have after looking and thanks to pointers found it to be the drive shaft joint.

So i bought one and set about it today, after taking the disk and caliper off i undid the large bolt holding the stub axle bit on and then on instructions was told i would need to undo the lower 2 ball joints, this is where my trouble started.

First can anyone confirm this is the right thing to do?

second, how the hell do you free them? i spent a good hour wacking it with the usual ball joint breaker and it wouldnt move

Any help much appreciated - cheers

**Niall76** · 13-08-2007,08:04 AM

Ah, the CV joint.

It can take quite a bit to split the balljoints. What type of hammer are you using? A regular DIY hammer won't be up to much - I use a real heavy mallet, much more force goes into it. Makes a huge difference.

Also, You may be better with the screw type splitter. I got one from my local factor for about a fiver.

**doggy** · 13-08-2007,09:37 AM

So i am doing the right thing then? was'nt 100% sure i needed to split those 2 lower joints.

I was using a large lump hammer bit think i need a larger splitter :-)

**Gizmo68** · 13-08-2007,12:08 PM

Yes, without them split you wont have the movement to get the shaft out

Lots of WD40, a big hammer, maybe even a bit of heat - but the heat will wreck the ball joint gaiters (if they are not already - ball joint splitters have a tendency to split the gaiter!) and possibly the ball joints themselves

**shabazmo** · 13-08-2007,10:20 PM

thebest way to split the ball joints is to use a scissors type ball joint splitter. It must have a wide enough fork and have a long open mouth for these 2 ball joints. had to buy a new one to fit. Trident T432100. Best of luck.

**doggy** · 14-08-2007,07:52 AM

Thanks guys, Will check out that Trident splitter tool for future reference.
CV joint now in and noise gone

Sadly one of the ball joints was not going anywhere, until pursuaded with a little warmth from a blow torch and a larger hammer.

Guess i now have something else to replace

are'nt cars fun !