GoHeels

Found this on the old laptop -

UrS4boy

Thanks for posting the photo. Too bad you could find a larger version of the other one.

4RINGSx3

Update #4. As I noted in Update #3 (8/9/12) new frt Bilsteins were installed & seemed to help reduce some of the noise however still getting some frt suspension banging when encountering bumps, etc. Also hearing noise (sounds like a gear noise) coming from the steering rack when steering wheel is cranked side-to-side (when vehicle is both stationery or moving). A couple of years ago my mechanic noticed a slight leak in the rack but no noise was evident. The leak has continued to be monitored & now have this noise from the rack. Could a leaking & noisy steering rack contribute to the frt suspension banging noise problem? With the exception of the sub-frame bushings the str. rack is about the only frt. suspension component that's yet to be replaced. And wondering if str. rack fluid has leaked on sub-frame bushings possibly contributing to their deterioration.
I researched the FAQs and found a discussion (8/20/07) regarding updated steering rack brackets (4A1-809-321: Updated Pass. Side Bracket / 443-809-489: Updated Driver Side Bracket). If I replace the steering rack are these brackets intended/applicable for my vehicle (95.5 S6) and if so would they be recommended? I did find audi/s/scott's 8/20/07 FAQ post about installing these brackets.
In advance, thanks for the help and advice.

UrS4boy

In my experience, an improperly functioning/damaged Item 32 ball bearing will make a nasty noise during low speed turns, e.g. parking manouveres

4RINGSx3

Dave, thanks for your reply. Ball Bearing (#32) and Suspension Strut Bearing (#36) have been recently replaced @ both sides (see my 5/25/12 post, #9 of this thread).
Any thoughts on sub-frame bushings or steering rack and updated brackets?

UrS4boy

But were the Item 32 ball bearings replaced properly? Here is a photo of one that had been installed by a professional (on my car). He had not temporarily sealed it to the correct position (with the cast indents in the white plastic positioned at the heads of the strut studs) and the heads of the strut studs ended up crushing and cracking the white bearing's plastic, making it impossible for the bearings to circulate inside as they are designed to do = loud creaking noise during parking manuouvers.

4RINGSx3

AFAIK the ball bearings were installed properly. Assume the creaking noise can be heard if one puts there ear close to the strut tower top in the engine compartment while someone turns wheeel?
Any comments on sub-frame bushings & updated steering rack brackets?

UrS4boy

Subframe bushings should NOT creak unless they are loose. Check them.

As for the steering rack brackets. Yes, it is possible that there is a creak or two from them, but not a gear-like noise.

4RINGSx3

Wow, its been over a year since I last posted on this issue.

Obviously haven't driven the car that much & now w/ winter on the way thinking I best get on with addressing this.

As previously stated I'm suspecting sub-frame bushings (Dave, per your 8/22/12 & 5/27/12 [#10] posts, I still need to check tightness before ordering).

In reviewing posts about replacing sub-frame bushings I've read that its a good time to replace transmission mounts since its easily(?) accessible. True? Anyone have part numbers for these (95.5 S6)? Thanks.

UrS4boy

To do a complete job on the front suspension, you need to replace the front and rear front subframe mounts (and bolts). To do this, you need to disconnect the transmission from the front subframe. Hence, a good time to replace the mounts (Item 3 in the linked pdf, PN 4A0399151C ):

http://12v.org/urs/FrontSuspensionTorqueValues.PDF