eayub Posted December 20, 2005 Report Share Posted December 20, 2005 Hi guys, My audi A3 (1.6 1997) has recently developed an annoying knocking noise when steering to the left. I've had the car checked out by a couple of mechanics and both have different opinions. One has suggested that it is the steering rack that needs replacing (in excess of £500 including labour) and the other has suggested its actually the joint that connects the steering column to the steering rack. I've got no mechanical knowledge so not sure who's correct. The noise appears to becoming quite close to the steering wheel and only when I turn the wheel to the left. Both mechanics said it won't cause too much damage to leave it for a while, but this is my first car (only had 5 months!) and i'm not sure I want to take the risk with something like this but at the same time, I've got sod all money !! Any of you guys experience anything similar or have any suggestions on cheap & realiable mechanics in the Kingston area?? Any help / advice appreciated. Cheers Poor Student (slowly getting poorer...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bulb Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 I've got the same problem on my A3. Was told it was a drive shaft so had it replace and its still there. I've since been told that it could be 1. Nothing (and he charged me to tell me that, 2. Anti roll bar 3. Anti roll bar bushes 4. Wheel bearing (although i don't think this is right.) The guy who told me nothing is wrong had both drive shafts off and had a look around and said he could see nothing and that it would probably go away. Well 2000 miles later and its still there but don't want to keep spending money on it not to fix it. Its a bit of a nightmare really but doesn' seem to effect the car. Should get it fixed soon though or i'll be Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eayub Posted December 21, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 Having a looked at a few more threads in this forum, it seems like this is a fairly common problem with A3's...I'm going to take it to another garage today to get a third opinion...it doesnt seem to be affecting the steering in any way, but it is annoying and I'm worried it might develop in to something more serious. Will post what the third diagnosis is... Bulb - does you're noise also only occur when turning the wheel to the left?? Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bulb Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 Yes. Only happens when i steer left. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eayub Posted December 21, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 Had a third opinion today and the diagnosis was the steering rack, but they were decent enough to admit that they are not 100% sure...they also said its probably not worth doing unless it gets worse. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonesyGT Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 Track rod end? Is the clunking whilst on the move or stationary? See if you can get a mate to have a feel around while you try to induce the noise while stationary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bulb Posted December 22, 2005 Report Share Posted December 22, 2005 steering rack? Hadn't even thought of that. I'll look into it but if it doesn't need doin immediately, i'll have to leav it till i have some money. Cheers for letting me know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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