View Full Version : Any news on the 'clicking' noise some of us are hearing at low speeds?


greatwhiteshark
11-03-2008, 01:54 PM
My car's headed in for the DRC surgery this week, and while it's there I'd like them to investigate this low-speed clicking I am hearing. It's coming from the front, and is most audible when making parking maneuvers.

Research on here and other Audi forums indicates it's one of the following (with my comments):

1) bad CV axles (doubt it; no leaking fluid, boots are in good shape, car is new, etc.)

2) bad wheel bearings (never heard of clicking denoting bad wheel bearings, is this an Audi thing?)

3) DRC valves clicking open and shut (could be, but the suspension isn't under any large lateral load when parking/turning at low speeds. Do the valves open and shut depending on steering wheel position?)

4) Brake rotors and pads clacking around due to slack/other general brake noise that's normal.

Since drive-ability is not affected, and since I can't hear/feel anything over 10mph, it's probably not something major. But still, any thoughts/comments would be appreciated!

MarkFank
11-03-2008, 01:57 PM
If a bolt is slightly loose, it will make a very audible clicking noise.

greatwhiteshark
11-03-2008, 02:43 PM

MarkFank
11-03-2008, 03:10 PM

bsrpilot44
11-03-2008, 04:40 PM

RS4PD
11-03-2008, 07:05 PM

AchTTung--Vollgas
11-03-2008, 07:53 PM
It was speed-dependent (i.e., clicked faster the faster the car went) and appeared on the outside side of the car relative to the turn. It was loud enough that it was mentioned to me at an autocross last summer. The dealer couldn't find the source. I haven't been in the car with the new suspension enough to see if it's still there.

greatwhiteshark
11-03-2008, 08:45 PM

CanuckRS4
11-03-2008, 10:06 PM
We had a thread here a few weeks ago on this issue.
I am thinking the subframe bolts are a bit loose, but that's just my guess and I have no plans to take it in just yet.

McGyver
11-04-2008, 06:05 AM
and the dealer indicates that it has something to do with the STaSIS suspension/lowered (I doubt it).

It only occurs at low speeds while turning and sound appears to be coming from driver front.

CanuckRS4
11-04-2008, 08:49 AM
Someone here will hopefully figure it out.

craiglieberman
11-04-2008, 10:17 AM
On lowered cars, check the control arm bushings. Careful attention to the installation process can result in cracked bushings which in turn, will produce noise.

I'm assuming your CV joints and wheel bearings have been checked.

GotRS?
11-04-2008, 02:32 PM

RoninWheels
11-05-2008, 07:39 PM
i've done this many times for customers with similar when i was at the dealer....

McGyver
11-07-2008, 06:01 AM

CanuckRS4
11-07-2008, 07:21 AM

RoninWheels
11-08-2008, 10:08 AM