A4 1.9 TDI front end noise

**Foogy** · 16-04-2009,10:31 AM

This has got me stumped! For the last few weeks my car has been making an annoying low rumbling noise from the front end, this only happens when i turn to the left. I've had a good look at all the control arms, checked the tyres and wheels and the driveshafts seem to be free of any play in the cv joints, I've even replaced the front wheel bearing on the drivers side all to no effect, so if anyone has any ideas it would be much appreciated as this has got me beat, thanks!

**constablechris** · 16-04-2009,01:50 PM

If the noise happens when you turn to the left, then perhaps its the nearside wheel bearing?

My car rumbles/groans when I turn to the right, and I always assumed (and have been told by a mechanic) that it would be the offside wheel bearing!

**constablechris** · 16-04-2009,01:51 PM

Edit: I'm assuming your car is RHD...

**Foogy** · 16-04-2009,02:22 PM

well I've checked the bearing on the other side and it seems fine and I'm not keen to pull it apart needlessly as the the one i did was a bit of a pain as I had to get the old bearing pressed out and the new one pressed in and theres no evidence of any vibration through the steering wheel as the car drives perfectly even when goin fast so wont be doin the other bearing just yet, will wait and see if anyone else has any ideas but thanks for the advice

**PaulA4** · 18-04-2009,02:09 PM

I had a similar problem, which wasn't anything obvious. Even had it looked at by a mechanic ( not a dealer or specialist though) and they couldn't find the fault. In the end I took it to Audi Specialist and it turned out to be the suspension arm which needed replacing. Under normal checks there is no play in it, as it takes alot of force to move it. I had it replaced and problem solved. Hope this helps.
Paul

**tonyp1** · 28-07-2014,05:53 PM

Have the same issue with my 2003 passat tdi 1.9 pd avb engine code. crashing sound just like a failed ball joint only over a rough road surface or pothole. The MOT tester couldn't find any movement with the car on the lift with crow bars etc no mater how he tried, have replaced the inner and outer track rods on the offending r/h side and both anti roll bar drop links....all quality Lemforder parts. No at my wits end to find the cause. Can anybody help with some advise?

**micheal balbrig** · 28-07-2014,07:12 PM

Ball joint wear is not easy to detect,and sometimes can be in a dangerous state without showing obvious wear until the leverage is done properly.
Best to put some time and effort in yourself to see if you can find the problem one,or replace the arm that you suspect as being worn.
Also check the condition of engine stay bar

**tonyp1** · 28-07-2014,08:01 PM

micheal, thanks for your reply. Have tried to move the two lower suspension arms with both the suspension under load and also hanging free neither showing any obvious ball joint movement. as such it is impossible to determine which (if any) ball joint is faulty. The two top wishbones are easy to test and show no sign of wear on the inboard rubber bushes or the outer ball joints. I guess this leaves the two anti roll bar mountings and the bottom suspension arms. Just trying to logically establish the actual problem component without throwing money changing components that don't need changing and hoping to cure the problem. Guess I need someone locally who has actually conducted this test before.

**Amilo86** · 24-05-2015,07:17 PM

Here is a video on my car it makes a strange sound from the front end right side. It comes randomly with a warm engine. I can hear as I set off and took the car to a garage but couldn't find anything. No wheel bearing or any sort..

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**micheal balbrig** · 24-05-2015,07:57 PM

That is a strange sound, it does not sound like the normal suspension problems,needs more thought.
On listening a second time it does not help,the sound is not clear enough (for me anyway) to try to give an answer.