Alex100

Hi all,

Greetings from Dallas, TX, USA.

A few days ago I bought a 2013 Audi S5 Coupe, Phantom Black with pearl, used with 47000 miles. Other than the following two issues, I'm pretty happy with the car.

When I turn the steering wheel all the way to the right or left, and move the car very slowly, I hear a groaning noise coming from underneath the front end of the car. I suspected that the control arm bushings are cracked (common issue with Audi cars), and I've attached a few pictures in that regard. I also have a slight vibration when I do around 70mph, which is also probably due to the bushings. What do you guys think? Should I head to the dealership to have this replaced under warranty?

The second issue is the vibration I feel through the seat (through my thighs) when the car is idling (around 700rpm). No vibration when reving higher than that (either in Neutral or Drive). I understand that the 3.0L supercharged V6 is not the most well-balanced engine out there, but the vibration is easily noticeable so I was wondering if there's something else going on.


Alex.

Alex100

Also, since this is an introduction thread...

pathguy

Welcome, and beautiful vehicle! As a relative newbie here, I'm afraid I cannot directly address your issues. You can always check the S5 forum and see what others say; or, as you said: take it back to the dealer (especially if it's under warranty).

Aviator6

Out of balance tires and/or bent rims will cause vibration around 70+. Continued driving with these vibrations can damage suspension/steering parts.

plat27265

Congrats on your (new to you) S5! Having the dealer replace the worn control arm bushings might be a tough task. Control arms and bushings are subject to wear and tear just like tires or wipers. If they failed in a catastrophic manner that is something I would consider covered under warranty. You can certainly try to make a warranty claim.

In any case, this is a good opportunity to upgrade the control arm into something better, i.e. more durable. I was surprised that the control arm bushings would fail on a 2013 S5 that soon at 47k miles. The car must have had a rough life.

Alex100

Thanks guys.

I happen to have in my possession the work order from Audi Dallas, in which the control arms of another 2013 S5, with 38K miles on it, were replaced under warranty. So I don't see why mine won't be replaced under warranty as well. I'll go there and ask nicely, and if they refuse, then I'll ask them to explain why the 38K vehicle was fixed under warranty and mine isn't.

Wheels balancing will follow the next few months, as soon as I sort out this bushings thing.

Alex100

Here's another one.




Still haven't had the time to wash her and take a few proper pictures.

Alex100

Next steps are a tow hook mounting bracket for the license plate, and a chrome/silver RS5 grill.