Vibration under acceleration

**MudSurfer** · 03-02-2010,10:39 AM

Hi everyone - I have an ongoing problem with my 2002/52 Allroad 2.7T. When I got it, I had to replace the NSF ball joint and arm, I've also replaced the front discs and pads and last week had to have the OSF caliper refurbished due to it sticking.

All of this was required, but it was also to help cure a rather irritating but intermittant problem, with vibration coming (I think) from the OSF wheel, under acceleration.

It's only really obvious above 50 mph, and gets progressively worse, but as soon as I take my foot off the gas, it stops. The second my foot goes back on the pedal, however gently, it's back again.

It's worse going round left hand bends, and if I go over bumps in the road, it changes slightly, in so far as it stops as the car is 'in the air' and returns as the car settles again (let me say that I'm not getting the car off the tarmac, just as the suspension rises and falls).

I noticed today, that having the suspension settings at level 2 seems to reduce this a bit.

The car passed the MOT on Thursday with no advisories, and I know the garage that did the MOT, and the mechanic who did a pre MOT inspection (I always do this to check for issues before it going for the test) and nothing was noted about ball joints, CVs, drive shafts etc - and the brakes were re checked too.

I've just bought a camber tool to check this at the weekend, but any other ideas on what may cause this would be very greatfully received.

TIA.

**Peter D** · 03-02-2010,10:48 AM

If it changes with ride height then I would be very suspicious of a CV joint, it would also explain the power on noise and shuts up immediately you take your foot off. How many miles has it done. Regards Peter

**MudSurfer** · 03-02-2010,10:49 AM

Originally Posted by Peter D

If it changes with ride height then I would be very suspicious of a CV joint, it would also explain the power on noise and shuts up immediately you take your foot off. How many miles has it done. Regards Peter

Hi Peter, and thanks for the quick reply - mileage is 137,000.

I'll get under it at the weekend and check the CV.

**Peter D** · 03-02-2010,11:22 AM

You need two people. Jack the front wheel up rotate the wheel bakwards hard and get your helper to lower the car. The use a pry bar to displace the drive shaft fore and aft. The recesses in the cup side wear to a pear shape so on lead the ball is too big for the cup thus the shaft vibrates/rumbles and when you take your foot off the balls moce back into the less worn side and the shft centralises. Another effect can be that it does not always vibrate straigt away, there can be a delay before the shaft gets out of shape. Regards Peter

**The-Stig** · 03-02-2010,11:20 PM

Hello, i dont want to hijack your thread but i am having similar issues, mines a 2.5 TDi, like you i have sorts of vibrations from the wheels at full lock in either direction or when i reverse.

It sounds and feel like the tyres are rubbing against the arches, i have managed to jack the car up to see if there is something stuck in there but i am no expert and cannot diagnose it?

Could it be CV or maybe tracking out of alignment?

Let me know how you get on with yours as mine is booked in on monday now for a checkup but i am worried the garage may not be able diagnose it properly.

**MudSurfer** · 04-02-2010,05:31 PM

Yours sounds very much like CV joints - it may be that they are dry, so have the garage check to see if they have any grease in them first before pulling them off...

Also - check the ball joints, this is what my first problem was and the lower arm and ball joint is one piece, and the aftermarket ones don't quite fit, so you need the genuine Audi part at about £103 plus the Vodka and Tonic.

**djl78** · 05-02-2010,07:47 PM

Originally Posted by MudSurfer

Yours sounds very much like CV joints - it may be that they are dry, so have the garage check to see if they have any grease in them first before pulling them off...

Also - check the ball joints, this is what my first problem was and the lower arm and ball joint is one piece, and the aftermarket ones don't quite fit, so you need the genuine Audi part at about £103 plus the Vodka and Tonic.

Eurocarparts sell lower suspension arms that fit the allroad.Took me two attempts to get the right one as the first one had a smaller ball joint like you said.
Added bonus is that it's a lemfoerder part which i think is a OEM supplier.
£53 from what i remember.
Regards
djl

**All-rod** · 07-02-2010,04:12 PM

Originally Posted by djl78

Added bonus is that it's a lemfoerder part which i think is a OEM supplier.
£53 from what i remember.
Regards
djl

I have noticed most of their suspension parts are lemforder, must be somewhat cheaper than form audi.
You saying they are good replacement vs oem quality? Will be changing few suspesion parts on mine soon, wondered of their quality...

Cheers.

**luklawecki** · 21-02-2010,12:57 AM

Originally Posted by djl78

Eurocarparts sell lower suspension arms that fit the allroad.Took me two attempts to get the right one as the first one had a smaller ball joint like you said.

It just happen to me...
I ordered front lower rear arm and ball joint it's smaller then the orginal one

...
I lost one hour today to find this out

...