I have posted this on A6-S6 w/o noticing that there is also pre 98 postings. Someone kindly reminded that I should have posted it here.

I've purchased a '96 A6Q couple of months ago. When I test rode and took it to mechanic for
a complete check, it sounded and drove great except couple of minor issues. Mechanic
couldn't find a single reason NOT to buy the car so I did. It took PO almost a week to turn the
keys over to me and he was pulling his surf board out from the car when I went to pick it
up.
In less then a week later, the suspensions started squeking and gradually got worse. I read
under some other topic, salt water making the seals dry and squek. I have a feeling that PO
drove the car to the beach and had a nice last splash ride. Am I facing to get new shocks and
struts and if so what should I expect to spend?

There are couple of other things; the service center I took for oil change couldn't check the
rear diff oil level!!! How do I make sure it's not low?

The last thing is the vibration from steering wheel and vibrating noise when the weels are
fully turned in either direction. Is there a steering hydrolic pump that its pressure valve
needs adjustment or something like that?

Thanks.
Ruhi

1) You probably DO NOT need to replce your shocks and struts. First, pinpoint the squeaking. My guess is it's coming from the camber links and/or or the control arm bushings exposed low to the ground... I replaced them on my car after driving through a horrible wet salty road... then later I got some squeaking of the camber links, and had those cleaned and lubricated.

The repair of either is pretty straight forward... takes about 30-45 minutes each side.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/153/u_suspt.jpg">

2) The vibration at full turn is the quattro system, and normal.