I've been trying to identify a noise for weeks and finally think I've narrowed it down to the front sub frame... after taking it to the third mechanic to investigate.

2011 A4 B8 3.0 TDI. The noise is a cracking that happens whenever the weight shifts, any speed, any direction. It appears to come from both sides of the car where the lower rear control arms meet the sub frame, and can only be felt through the footwell.

I've read that sub frame splitting is a fairly common issue for this model and easily fixed by spot welding, however I was hoping someone could show me where exactly the splits typically happen?

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