Front End Noise = Replace lower rear control arms, struts and strut mounts

[isles1]

Pretty much since I took delivery of the car, I've had a clunk / rattle from the front end that was most most noticeable at low speeds and in cold temperatures. When the temps turned cold this winter, the noise was either getting worse or I simply was tired of listening to it. Finally decided to part with my S4 for what I knew would be at least a week. Turned out to be two weeks because of delays receiving parts and recent weather in the Northeast.

The good news is the noise is gone (and I took care of the airbag recall at the same time). Hopefully this information helps others who have reported similar sounds coming from their B8/B8.5 S4:

First, Dealer performed TSB 2035854/4 - Replace lower rear control arms (a/k/a curved links). The TSB either did not resolve the issue at all or there was still a noise present. I have no further details on this TSB (i.e. model years covered);

Second, Dealer attributed cause to faulty struts and upper strut mounts. Dealer got authorization from Audi to replace both the left and right front struts and upper mounts. Noise gone.

P.S. The service department did tell me they first removed my Alu Kreuz just to confirm that was not the cause. Much better result than what I had feared: blame the Alu Kreuz and not diagnose further.

[fonseca_q5]

I am having a similar issue and just had my front control arms replaced and the noise is still there. I am going back next week to see what they say.

[the4siswickid]

Pretty much since I took delivery of the car, I've had a clunk / rattle from the front end that was most most noticeable at low speeds and in cold temperatures. When the temps turned cold this winter, the noise was either getting worse or I simply was tired of listening to it. Finally decided to part with my S4 for what I knew would be at least a week. Turned out to be two weeks because of delays receiving parts and recent weather in the Northeast.

The good news is the noise is gone (and I took care of the airbag recall at the same time). Hopefully this information helps others who have reported similar sounds coming from their B8/B8.5 S4:

First, Dealer performed TSB 2035854/4 - Replace lower rear control arms (a/k/a curved links). The TSB either did not resolve the issue at all or there was still a noise present. I have no further details on this TSB (i.e. model years covered);

Second, Dealer attributed cause to faulty struts and upper strut mounts. Dealer got authorization from Audi to replace both the left and right front struts and upper mounts. Noise gone.

P.S. The service department did tell me they first removed my Alu Kreuz just to confirm that was not the cause. Much better result than what I had feared: blame the Alu Kreuz and not diagnose further.

I just took delivery of my '15, and every time I hit a bump, pothole, reflector in the road, I get a loud clank. And upon entering the driveway (sloped), I get a clunk. I have a sneaking suspicion that this is similar, but two different problems....

[034Motorsport]

Glad to hear that the dealer was able to get you sorted out! For those who aren't covered under warranty, or are planning on installing new suspension soon, we actually have made upgraded Density Line strut mounts available, which are ideal for lowered cars with higher spring rates than stock.

Strut Mount, Front, Density Line, B8 Audi A4/S4/A5/S5/RS5/Q5

[dav4]

Will these 034motorsport density strut mounts make the ride stiffer? I'm running coilovers and getting a sort of squeaking noise from the stock mounts.
Thanks

[amz]

I just took delivery of my '15, and every time I hit a bump, pothole, reflector in the road, I get a loud clank. And upon entering the driveway (sloped), I get a clunk. I have a sneaking suspicion that this is similar, but two different problems....

Check that the dealership removed the shipping inserts. My buddy had a similar situation after taking delivery of his '14 RS%, turns out they left the shipping stuff in the suspension...

[volkswagensRus]

Just letting you guys know that when I installed 034 motorsports high density strut bearings (90 or 95 durometer, up from ~35 duromoter stock?), I also now have the banging in the front end. They were installed w/ new Bilstein TC's. Car is a 2001 audi a4 1.8t quattro.

[034Motorsport]

Just letting you guys know that when I installed 034 motorsports high density strut bearings (90 or 95 durometer, up from ~35 duromoter stock?), I also now have the banging in the front end. They were installed w/ new Bilstein TC's. Car is a 2001 audi a4 1.8t quattro.

Hello,

We're sorry to hear you're experiencing a clunking after installing your B5 Density Line Front Strut Mounts. That's not normal, and there haven't been any complaints from hundreds of B5 owners running those mounts.

This thread is about clunking issues on the B8 platform, which many customers have fixed by installing our Density Line Strut Mounts. These are a completely different mount for the B8, so we're not sure why you a reposting here and in our Mk5/Mk6 Density Line Strut Mount thread on VWvortex.

Please contact us via PM or the Tech Support form on our website so that we can assist you in troubleshooting. Thank you!

[volkswagensRus]

Just throwing it out there that it's somewhat common and not isolated instances is all. I'll PM you now.

[034Motorsport]

Just throwing it out there that it's somewhat common and not isolated instances is all. I'll PM you now.

Best bet is to email [email protected] , he will get back to you asap

Thanks!

[o1turbo30v]

I am having a similar issue and just had my front control arms replaced and the noise is still there. I am going back next week to see what they say.

Its the struts, noise at low speeds and more pronounced when cold = bad shocks/struts.

[volkswagensRus]

Best bet is to email [email protected] , he will get back to you asap

Thanks!

Doing that now. Thank you.

[onlyaudis]

sway bar end links also can make a real racket even if the movement from slop or loose hardware is minimum.

[volkswagensRus]

I want to update this. 034 motorsports makes a DAMN good high density good strut mount. Turns out that the left side squeaking was due to a bad balljoint/control arm, and the passenger side "thumping" or "pounding" was because the installer literally didn't tighten the strut to the strut plate enough. It was a few threads from the end. Upon fixing this, the car is QUIET and handles amazing. Not to mention 034 motorsports sniffed my griping out on the forums and followed through to completion on this matter. A+ company, product and support.

[034Motorsport]

I want to update this. 034 motorsports makes a DAMN high density good strut mount. Turns out that the left side squeaking was due to a bad balljoint/control arm, and the passenger side "thumping" or "pounding" was because the installer literally didn't tighten the strut to the strut plate enough. It was a few threads from the end. Upon fixing this, the car is QUIET and handles amazing. Not to mention 034 motorsports sniffed my griping out on the forums and followed through to completion on this matter. A+ company, product and support.

Thank you for the follow-up, and we're glad to hear you could get the noise sorted out! Enjoy the upgrades!

- Laszlo

[Thurston]

My e36 bimmer back in the 90's always had control arm issues (had every issue you can imagine actually) I can't imagine having to deal w/ that bs again but fortunately it'll be under warranty this time around. If they had blamed the Alu Kreuz. .. oooo boy that would have been terrible so i'm glad they are taking care of you.

[Diamond Dog]

What is the average labor cost to install these strut mounts?

[fitzydude]

FYI I just was able to fix mine recently by replacing the lower control arm that looks curved like a banana. To diagnose which arm is bad just grab a big pair of pliers and wiggle the arms until you find the one that has more play.