Rattling noise coming from front end over bumps.

**Steve_K** · 27-05-2013,08:24 AM

Over the past few weeks ive had a rattling noise come from under the front end of my A6. It only happens when i drive on rough or uneven roads. I thought it was the skid pan or wheel arch liners as there were screws missing so i ordered a new set and attached them over the weekend. The problem still persists unfortunately and after putting the front end up on axle stands and having a look, there doesnt seem to be anything loose or damaged. Has anyone had this issue before or have any idea what it may be? Thanks in advance

**Scott K** · 27-05-2013,08:51 AM

I get the same so will be interested to see what you find. On my last A6 I ended up changing all the control arms and I am hoping this isn't the problem.

**Steve_K** · 27-05-2013,09:12 AM

Yeah hopefully it isnt that. Thing is it doesnt happen over speed bumps so quite confident it isnt shock related. It just seems to be when there's dents and holes in the road. Sounds like something is loose

**royclark** · 27-05-2013,10:25 AM

Originally Posted by Steve_K

Over the past few weeks ive had a rattling noise come from under the front end of my A6. It only happens when i drive on rough or uneven roads. I thought it was the skid pan or wheel arch liners as there were screws missing so i ordered a new set and attached them over the weekend. The problem still persists unfortunately and after putting the front end up on axle stands and having a look, there doesnt seem to be anything loose or damaged. Has anyone had this issue before or have any idea what it may be? Thanks in advance

Could it be your heat shield ?

**Steve_K** · 27-05-2013,11:09 AM

Highly unlikely as I checked it when I replaced all the securing screws. It's tight as a drum

**MarkTM** · 27-05-2013,12:04 PM

Any chance of anything trapped in your underbody shields...dropped tool/screwdriver bit/stone?

**Steve_K** · 27-05-2013,12:20 PM

I've just taken the heat shield off and there's nothing inbetween. I'm going to leave it off and go for a quick drive so that I can fully rule out the heat shield as the noise. I'll let you know. Cheers Mark

**Steve_K** · 27-05-2013,12:25 PM

Nope it's definitely not the heat shield. The noise is exactly the same without the shield on. May be the bushes

**MarkTM** · 27-05-2013,01:04 PM

By heat shield do you mean front undertray protector? What about the two side ones?

Bushes don't usually just go, mine had an advisory for drop/C-link bushes perished for the last two MOT's no 'excessive play' and no noise whatsoever, but had them done a few weeks back.

Can you identify the noise as metal on metal/plastic on metal? I know a little tricky as you can't be outside of the car when driven

**Steve_K** · 27-05-2013,01:08 PM

Its definetley a metallic sound. I can feel some form of movement or vibration in the steering wheel when the noise happens. Yeah I meant the protective shield which covers the oil pan and front axle.