A knocking noise has developed over the past few days and it seems to be coming from somewhere in the rear of my A4. Driving down the road at 10-15 MPH, if I "saw" the steering wheel back and forth quickly something in the rear end makes this knocking sound. I jacked the car up earlier today and checked everything underneath....everything seems tight and I didn't see any missing bolts or anything broken. I also re-torqued the lug bolts on both rear wheels. I also checked the contents of my trunk (really nothing in there) and the spare tire and tool kit are secure. Anybody have any ideas? It's making me a bit nervous to drive the car as it also makes the noise while driving along....usually at slower speeds and/or cresting hills in the road.<p>Andy Hedin<br>'97 A4 1.8Tqms, Wett 1.0 Bar, ABT Filter, Euro Headlights....

I've heard that sound and this is more like a suspension problem. My guess is a loose suspension component or a worn bushing. Could also possibly be a bad wheel bearing (or maybe just a loose wheel bearing). Thanks for the idea though.<p>Andy Hedin

Sorry to hear about it, Andy. Did you check the exhaust hangers in case one broke and the exhaust is bouncing against something? I wouldn't think a wheel bearing would make a "knock" sound, but you can easily check the bearings for gross play by jacking up the car and trying to move the wheels side-to-side.<p>Look on the bright side - you probably are ignoring the squeal in the engine bay for the time being! :-)<p>Jim Meyer<br>

I think I noticed that the two rear-most exhaust hangers were still intact when I had the car jacked up. I guess I won't worry about it too much for now as it's going in to the dealer on Weds for the new belt-tensioner, which hopefully will fix my "chirping" noise. I'll mention it to the dealer at that time.<p> Andy