Kevin L.

Hi, my A4 has recently developed a weird noise whenever I am moving with the wheels turned a bit (i.e. switching lanes or merging onto highways and etc.). There is no noise when going straight. The noise resembles somewhat of a "thumping" sound and it is in direct correlation with the wheel speed.

I searched the archives and doesn't sound like is the control arms as I don't hear this noise over speed bumps or other times except when turning. The power steering fluid level is normal and car runs fine otherwise.

Would appreciate any advice or insight, and is there a major safety concern that you can think of to continue driving like this?

Thanks for your help.

Stratocaster1422

wheel bearings?

mnemonic

and they should be noticable at all speeds. I would investigate all the boots, control arms and tie rod ends.

JAFO

does it happen in both right and left turns? check the tierod ends too.

mvp12547

a bad bearing usually only makes noise when you turn right or left not right and left.

Stratocaster1422

I would start with Tierod ends...then move to CV joints...then to wheel bearings

mnemonic

but he would notice that in the steering wheel, right?

mvp12547

You would think so but I currently have an out of round on my VR6 Jetta and it is not that noticeable thru the wheel but the sound is horrendous when you turn or are slowing down. I know its out of round because as it was being balanced the tech pointed it out to me. Had I not known it was out of round I would have thought cv joint due to my past experiences with my many VWs.

Kevin L.

as I have the same sound before with my summer tires and now afterwards with my winter set on as well. thanks for the input though.

Kevin L.

Will try to take it in soon, but wondering if there is a major safety concern to continue driving with the "warning sounds" if the problem is one of the suggested ones...