Dville

From Louis page and videos.
Some obvious parts I assumed were checked but worth looking at.





Bushing here for lower mount

ltooz_a6_a8_q7

What does the noise sound like? Put an iPod touch on the floor and record the noise, some one may identify it.
Just like I said, no Indy or dealers are accountable for anything they do in case of screwing up. It takes less than 20 min to remove the whole strut. There are 3 big washer on top nuts of the strut, my wife almost forgot to put one on. I did hear about noise and vibration from another person after fixing the strut. Mine replacement came out very nice.
Can't stand taking car to shop and came back with a problem that never exist before and all the monkeys can't figure it out, that's why I told my wife, the day I can't work on my car, the day I stop driving cars like A8.
Cheers,
Louis

milellie111

Here is the audio of the noise as requested:


Took it to the shop again today and they are 50 percent sure that it is the steering rack. Got it up on the lift again, all arms on the drivers side are new and in good condition. New wheel bearing. 2 sets of new sway links and a new sway bar. Tie rods are tight as I was standing there as they were testing them out pulling on them.

Are steering racks common to go on D3 A8's? Any alternative to replace without paying $1400 for a new OEM rack?

ltooz_a6_a8_q7

sound like the whole sub frame is loose. Some ball joints must be loose. The knocking is from the jolts of the lose ball joints. The sound is pretty muffled, not very clear. It also sounded like the upper control arm is bad. I don't know how much they charge for removing the pinch bolt to check the upper control arms, because when it's connected to the system, you can't tell. I would want to see it to be safe. If they say it sounded like steering rack 50%, I would say 0% but I don't get paid, they do. I've changed and experienced enough Audi A8 suspension and noise since D2 to D3, I did feel and hear problems like yours. Again, it's your call. I'll find my old noise with the control arms and show it to you, it does sound the same.
I'm sure you asked them to check everything, but you can't check for that jolted noise only when you go over bumps when the strut is mounted in the system, the weight will push everything down and other suspension parts would hold everything together.
I would have a peace of mind by removing the strut - check the control arms, check the 4 screws on the mounting base to make sure they're tightened, I almost forgot when I did mine 4x13mm nuts, if this mount is loose, definitely over bumps it will clunk.
BTW, I assumed no noise before all the suspension work done?


Cheers and good luck,

Louis

Brianlee

My dealer assured me that my problem was the sway bars, also indicated that if they were wrong they would not charge me, so I had them complete the work for just under $600.00 U.S.

The noise has gone, but I find myself listening very carefully for it to return. LOL
Brian