Noise under cat steering gone strange

Dual wheels

Hi all, 09 a4 the steering seemed off for the past few days and this morning a clunky noise came from under the car and the steering felt loose and pulled to the right, any idea what it might be?

JIdontknow

Was It just one clunk or is it still happening when turning or going over bumps etc?

greasepalm

Time to get your front ball joints checked as they were a common thing to go. If you had a hydraulic jack to raise the corner i bet you have play when grabbing the wheel at 3 and 9 and wiggle in and out.

Dual wheels

It seems to get worse the faster I go

Dual wheels

Would that cause the steering to wobble?

GavPJ

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121254038#Comment_121254038

My money is on wheel balance out, along with a balljoint worn. If it is just that, it won't be mental

money but needs to be sorted ASAP as it will wear your front tyre/tyres fairly quick.

Dual wheels

Thanks roughly what would be the cost of getting them replaced?

mk7r

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121254131#Comment_121254131

The balljoints on the A4 are not replaceable separately and are part of aluminium arms so can definitely add up quick

Dual wheels

Any rough idea of the cost?

mk7r

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121256144#Comment_121256144

It depends on what's gone, there are 4 balljoints on each corner all requiring the whole arm to be replaced. If it's the banana arm for example I'd budget about 150 plus fitting per side but best get it properly diagnosed

Dual wheels

Thanks a mill

greasepalm

You said noise gets louder the faster you go =Wheel bearing?

Noise can be heard from 20mph and the higher frequency when going faster and could be collapsing as when car is jacked up too much free play when wheel is grabbed at 6 and 12 and much movement

User1998

A mechanic needs to inspect the car. It can’t be diagnosed or quoted online.

9935452

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058318603/noise-under-cat-steering-gone-strange

Out of curiosity what mileage is up on it.

i had a 2009 a4 with 450k km on it.

It never gave any trouble with balljoints in that time.

2 front wheel bearings replaced around the 420k mark.. just started making noise.

One other question.

Did you get tyres in the last few weeks or puncture fixed or breaks done

Are the wheel studs tight..?

Id be inclined to get the car checked asap tbh

mk7r

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121260347#Comment_121260347

Balljoints are a very common failure on the A4, there was even a recall on them they failed so often

mickdw

The main bottom ballpoint that goes into end on straight arm is replaceable separately and in my case on A5 is the only one to wear out.

mk7r

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121260446#Comment_121260446

Just depends on the design, there were multiple revisions but the recall was on the rear banana arms, they would be the most common to fail

greasepalm

One of the many reasons i not buy a German car is the amount of money for repairs every few years , kept us in business for many years with repairs.

antodeco

Is it like a meow or a purr?