Suspension (?) noise C4 A6

vitesseefi South West Posts: 2,249	Suspension (?) noise C4 A6 vitesseefi @vitesseefi
	Mar 31, 2018 16:50:43 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	A6 Avant 2.5TDI in C4 flavour. nearly 310k miles but fair condition. It's been developing a clattering/clonking underneath when travelling over bumpy roads (nearly all around here) for a few months now and it's starting to irritate! I'd fix it if I could only figure out what it was. I think it's coming from the front but it's one of those noises that if you have 4 people in the car they all think it's coming from a different corner (usually the one nearest them). So far I've: - Had a good hunt around for random loose objects under the bonnet and in the car and removed anything found - no effect - Replaced all the exhaust hanging rubbers - no effect. Shaking the exhaust vigorously doesn't create any rattles. - Removed all undertrays and run around like that for a few days - no effect. - Change front top mounts - no effect - Renewed RH TCA (they are known for eating TCAs) - no effect LH seems fine. - Asked the MoT man to look extra hard (risky!!) - He didn't find anything. - New engine and gearbox mounts - no effect. It had front subframe bushes and rear beam bushes about 2 years ago and these still seem good. The dampers are all KYB and have done maybe 100k. They seem ok (all still holding gas pressure) but should probably be renewed. Could internal wear be making them clatter? Not something I've noted before...... Any ideas? TIA Nick
	1967 Triumph Vitesse convertible (old friend) 1996 Audi A6 2.5 TDI Avant (still durability testing) 1972 GT6 Mk3 (Restored after loong rest & getting the hang of being a car again)

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Rich Club Retro Rides Member Posts: 6,253 Club RR Member Number: 160	Suspension (?) noise C4 A6 Rich @foxmcintyre Club Retro Rides Member 160
	Mar 31, 2018 17:05:06 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Anti roll bar 'D' bushes is a good one to check. You can usually loosen the bolts on the clamp and slide a washer underneath them, it it fixes it you can either leave it as-is or replace the bushes, whichever floats your boat. ETA: Also, shocks can make a horrendous noise if the valving fails. I have had it quite often on the rear of Fiesta Mk5 onward and Fiat 500/Ford Ka.
	Last Edit: Mar 31, 2018 17:06:26 GMT by Rich Kota RC Trucks Past: XJ 121 E28 LRD1 XG30 BX MGB T25

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colnerov Posted a lot Posts: 2,834	Suspension (?) noise C4 A6 colnerov @colnerov
	Mar 31, 2018 19:42:47 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Hi, Brake pads loose in the calliper? It can make it sound like an old cattle truck. Lightly touching the brakes can confirm or deny that. Colin


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vitesseefi South West Posts: 2,249	Suspension (?) noise C4 A6 vitesseefi @vitesseefi
	Apr 30, 2018 12:51:34 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Some feedback...... Bit the bullet and bought a set of dampers. Fitted the rears first as one of them was leaking in grand style, and also some new bump-stops as the old ones had fallen apart. Apart from the disappointing discovery that we've reached the end of life of the factory body sealing and galv at the rear of the shell (though no actual holes!), that went smoothly enough - and made no difference to the noises. Front was delayed a few days due to the parts supplier sending completely the wrong gaiters, but I finally got around to fitting this weekend. It's very easy on these if you have the right tool (I do) - you don't even have to jack the car up. The top nuts were damn tight though..... (must have been me trying stop the clonking) New dampers and bumpstops duly fitted, though there really didn't seem to be anything wrong with the old ones. No leaks, no flaking chrome or even scuff marks on the damper rod, still holding gas pressure, operating smoothly through full travel. Noises have gone though...... and I've not disturbed anything else. I'm pleased as the driving experience is much improved. There is still one clonk remaining which is clearly from the back and exhaust related. Sadly it appears to be from inside the rear box. It's only lasted 21.5 years and 310K, so I'm a bit disappointed it's giving up so soon..... Thanks to all who offered advice Nick
	1967 Triumph Vitesse convertible (old friend) 1996 Audi A6 2.5 TDI Avant (still durability testing) 1972 GT6 Mk3 (Restored after loong rest & getting the hang of being a car again)

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