ParticleMan

I'm new to Audi's AWD. And, added to that, it's my baby so I get paranoid when I hear unfamiliar noise. When I turn the wheel tightly but not all the way to lock at low speed, I commonly hear a small binding/clunking noise. Is this ok/not ok? I'm seem to hear it turning in both directions. The car only has 15k on it.

Thanks for your feedback.

lowdef

it's okay, it's just quattro saying hello.

ParticleMan

I'm used to that type of steering reaction in 4x4 trucks. But, I always unlocked the diff on dry pavement so I never worried about it. Having that type of mechanical feedback always there was a little unsettling at first.

TorsenTaxi

The Torsen shouldn't make any binding/clunking noise. It's a system of gears that are in constant mesh, there are no clutches, ratchets, or plates in there. The transfer of torque between the front and rear axles shouldn't be perceptable on ashphalt in a tight turn. On a tight dirt, snow covered, or icy turn you may feel a wheel grab traction if you open the throttle quickly.

Does it repeat periodically as the tire turns?
Is the car fully warmed up or cold?
Do you have Tip or manual tranny?
Do you launch from standstill?

If it's a single groan as you turn the steering wheel, check the suspension links. If it repeats in a tight turn while holding the steering wheel steady, it's not a link. The B5's were hard on the front links, B7's are supposed to be easier on them, I've got 30K on my '06 and all is well. My B5 used to get 20-25k and they would noisy (one or two at a time).

If the CV joints have any brinelling on the races or *****, they will make noise in tight turns as the ***** have to transit from extreme right to left every revolution of the wheel. A noise is generated each time the ball rolls over the dimples in the race created by high torque impact loads. This isn't common, especially in Audi's or automatics. I would take it to the dealer and have them diagnose, an '07 should still be on warranty.

Auditude2.0T: BT PWR

quattro.

ParticleMan

Don't know if your still listening Taxi, but here's the answers to your questions-

The car is warm or cold, it only make the noise once as I pass through about 75% to lock in either direction at slow speed on dry pavement. It's like a very light thud/clunk or u-joint binding type of feeling noise.