Rumble sound from front left, no one can find issues

warp_speed · 12-02-2016,12:06 PM

I've got a 2011 S4 with 48k miles on the clock and seem to have a bad rumble sounds coming from my passenger front.

It starts off in the morning as a couple of clicks when coming off my drive way, but when you drive the car over some rough roads at a slow speed the rumble gets worse until it sounds like a broken spring.

My cars got the Audi drive select which lets your adjust the shock absorber damping rates, when it’s on dynamic mode the noise gets worse even quicker.

Been to my Audi dealer 3 times with the issue and they say there is nothing they can see suspension wise, I'm beginning to think it’s either a dodgy shock/strut or a bad wheel bearing. Anyone got any ideas?

**b206** · 12-02-2016,03:48 PM

Have you rotated the wheels - may be a dodgy alloy or wheel ? Have you checked the brakes - perhaps something has come loose ?

warp_speed · 12-02-2016,03:55 PM

Originally Posted by b206

Have you rotated the wheels - may be a dodgy alloy or wheel ? Have you checked the brakes - perhaps something has come loose ?

Alloy wheels have been checked and brakes have been replaced, double checked as well.

**micheal balbrig** · 12-02-2016,04:24 PM

The clicks that you hear while coming off drive, are the wheels in straight position or on part/full lock
Maybe there is a broken spring which is hard to see.

warp_speed · 12-02-2016,04:32 PM

The knocks are worse when on a lock, but there is knocking when the wheels are straight. Coming off a high curb on full lock starts the noise off.

**micheal balbrig** · 12-02-2016,05:36 PM

Would be best to take it elsewhere to get second opinion,especially as you can replicate the problem to assist them.
As you say possible wheel bearing / cv joint issue
Is the knocking consistent with wheel revolutions or more with suspension bouncing when coming off high kerbs etc.

warp_speed · 12-02-2016,05:47 PM

Originally Posted by micheal balbrig

Would be best to take it elsewhere to get second opinion,especially as you can replicate the problem to assist them.
As you say possible wheel bearing / cv joint issue
Is the knocking consistent with wheel revolutions or more with suspension bouncing when coming off high kerbs etc.

suspension bouncing. Sharp speed bumps and coming off a kurb starts it off and then every small bump on the road causes a clunk. Will try another dealership for a second opinion

**micheal balbrig** · 12-02-2016,05:54 PM

Seems to point more now to suspension problem

**HAWKS** · 13-02-2016,08:50 PM

Drive shaft CV joints click when on a lock when they first start to go.Have you tried in a car park, starting off slowly an turn left lock driving in a circle, then right lock.

warp_speed · 15-02-2016,11:45 AM

Originally Posted by HAWKS

Drive shaft CV joints click when on a lock when they first start to go.Have you tried in a car park, starting off slowly an turn left lock driving in a circle, then right lock.

Tried that no noise, unless I drive into a pot hole and it clunks. Got it booked in today to another audi dealership to see if they can find the issue. Master tech think it sounds like an upper arm but sure the first dealership would have seen it.