Dyl77 Posted October 4, 2005 Report Share Posted October 4, 2005 My 00(W)plate A3 TDi sport has recently developed an irritating knocking noise at the front when going over bumps or uneven road. It sounds like something needs tightened up or some bushes need replaced. I have took it to a garage be checked but they can't find anything. Any ideas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Booster Posted October 4, 2005 Report Share Posted October 4, 2005 It could be the bushes on the anti-roll bar. Does it creak as well? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a18eem Posted October 4, 2005 Report Share Posted October 4, 2005 i had/have the same problem with my s3, took it to the audi dealers and they couldn`t find a fault. it just got worse and now i have a creaking noise.. am told by an independant garage i need to replace my front bushes... i have ordered powerflex bushes this week. i will keep you posted on results. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dyl77 Posted October 4, 2005 Author Report Share Posted October 4, 2005 Yes it creeks as well but only at low speeds like when going over a speed bump. the knocking is more noticeable when driving over an uneven surface. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harj Posted October 4, 2005 Report Share Posted October 4, 2005 a18eem, i think my bushes need replacing aswell Are the one's you ordered recommended or could i just go with what Audi provide? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A3Floyd Posted October 4, 2005 Report Share Posted October 4, 2005 Classic problem on these cars - i thought S3's suffered from it the most but i've seen quite a few A3's suffer lately too. It's the front anti-roll bar bushes. They're only a few quid each and it is possible to change them yourself but it can be a bit of a bugger to do. Dealer will try to sell you a new anti-roll bar too <be warned> they all try this one on and 99% of the time, there's chuff all wrong with the ARB, it's just an easy money-maker for them plus it helps to justify the 2-3 hours labour that they will have to charge to replace the ARB bushes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harj Posted October 4, 2005 Report Share Posted October 4, 2005 [ QUOTE ] Dealer will try to sell you a new anti-roll bar too <be warned> they all try this one on and 99% of the time, there's chuff all wrong with the ARB, it's just an easy money-maker for them plus it helps to justify the 2-3 hours labour that they will have to charge to replace the ARB bushes. [/ QUOTE ] Sounds exactly what the dealer was telling me when mine returned from its service along with a £400+ quote Any idea where i can buy some and if an independent specialist should fit them for me? (sorry dont mean to be as i'm taking over the post DYL77 it's just mine happens to have the same problem now ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobA3 Posted October 4, 2005 Report Share Posted October 4, 2005 This sounds very familiar, I also have a knocking & sqeeky noise over bumpy roads Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pontio Posted October 4, 2005 Report Share Posted October 4, 2005 the rear bushes are making the knocking noise on mine at the moment.. easy to do, the fronts are pigs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Booster Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 Audi should do a recall on this problem. I had it on my old A31.8TQ, my mate's TT has just been done and there are loads of people on here with the problem. Come on Audi, sort it out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dyl77 Posted October 5, 2005 Author Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 [ QUOTE ] the rear bushes are making the knocking noise on mine at the moment.. easy to do, the fronts are pigs. [/ QUOTE ] When I got home I checked my haynes manual and it does not look to hard to fix. The only problem is that you have to replace ALL the self locking bolts and nuts after changing the bushes. It tells you not to bother with the rear bar because it is part of the rear axle and only trained mechanics (i.e Audi Stealers) should attempt this. If i could get the bushes and correct nuts and bolts i'd do the front one's myself and smile next time I pass the stealers knowing they have not robbed me of £400! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harj Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 If i could get the bushes and correct nuts and bolts i'd do the front one's myself and smile next time I pass the stealers knowing they have not robbed me of £400! [/ QUOTE ] I'm thinking the same thing dude! Right, where do we start? Any idea where we buy the correct bushes and nuts??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A3Floyd Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 The fronts are a bugger to do - i did them on my S3 and it took me a good 2 hours per side. Mainly cos I was having problems getting the screw that holds the bracket/ARB Bush back into the front subframe. It's not helped by the fact that there's chuff-all room to play what with the steering and suspension mechanism. You can buy the bushes from any Audi dealer - i'm sure i paid £2.50 per side for the front bushes. I never replaced the self locking bolts on mine - iirc there wasn't that many bolts that i needed to undo in the first place. I'm sure that they will only be a few quid anyway though. Go to your dealer, they'll tell you what you need - mine did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalheer Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 I just pulled my pants down and paid the stealer £350 to do it... like you all say probably didn't need the ARB replacing but Audi insisted (lying ) saying it's part of a whole kit.. i wasn't clued up then.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A3Floyd Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 Lying sods!!!! The ARB is a seperate part. You'll be amazed how many get away with it so dont beat yourself up about it. This must be one of Audi's biggest money-spinners, no wonder they wont ever do a recall on them, they'd go bust overnight! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harj Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 Cheers S3floyd, Well, the cost effective way is to do it myself (doesn't take much to figure that out if the parts cost under a tenner but labour will take it over the £400 mark ) I'll obviously need some instructions on what i should expect to find and do, is there a manual out for the S3? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dyl77 Posted October 5, 2005 Author Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 [ QUOTE ] I'll obviously need some instructions on what i should expect to find and do, is there a manual out for the S3? [/ QUOTE ] I have the haynes A3 manual. It does not cover the S3 or quattro models but there cannot be much difference (if any) between the 2wd front ARB and the quattro versions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A3Floyd Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 I think they'll be pretty much the same. It really is a very simple procedure and you dont need to take much apart. The only pain in the butt is that it can be very fiddly. I actually took my camera out with me to record the steps to go through but never got around to taking the photos due to it being such a bugger!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harj Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] I'll obviously need some instructions on what i should expect to find and do, is there a manual out for the S3? [/ QUOTE ] I have the haynes A3 manual. It does not cover the S3 or quattro models but there cannot be much difference (if any) between the 2wd front ARB and the quattro versions. [/ QUOTE ] Cheers guys i'll nip into Halfords and have a look Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harj Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 Guys, is this the manual i need? Haynes Will it cover the bushes on a S3? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A3Floyd Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 Dude - it's says on the ad that it doesn't cover S3 or Quattro! Bushes will be the same though - if there is any variation, it'll be minimal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a18eem Posted October 6, 2005 Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 i am told ,if you drive your car hard then the stock bushes( rubber) will wear out quick. if you go for polyurethane type ones eg. powerflex ones they will last longer but downside is the ride will be firmer, i havn`t fitted mine yet.will tell you on monday,!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L3EOO Posted October 29, 2005 Report Share Posted October 29, 2005 I have a 99 A3, and was wondering what these noises were!, now as I understand that its the bushes probably, but been on VAG site usure which ones I would need - not sure between 1 Front Wishbone inner front bushes or 2 front anti-roll bar bushes or would I need both sets? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Posted October 29, 2005 Report Share Posted October 29, 2005 could be bushes. coul;d equally be a knackered tie rod. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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