A4 Avant front suspension

[spartacus 68]

A4 suspension uses a number of components which will wear at different times depending on driving style, engine type, etc.

Best bet is to jack up the car and hold the wheel at 10-to-2 position and move it backwards and forwards looking for play on components.

I had a knocking sound on my A4 when going slowly over speed bumps. Traced it to the front upper control arm and a worn tie-rod end.

To replace either of the two upper control arms - you'll need to undo the pinch bolt on the strut. It's a pig of a job - so liberally spray Swarfega duck-oil release on it 30 minutes to an hour before you attempt the job. You'll need spring compressors too. The tie-rod should be straight forward. Remember to record the distance to the locking nut (or use a wooden block as a measure), so everything goes back exactly as it came off. Ideally you'll need a tracking adjustment after completion.

[jcbjames]

The audi suspension is not the best. all four ball joints on each corner will get play in them at some point causing a knocking noise.
also the old style anti roll bar links get play in them.