How to Fix Suspension Problems in Your Audi A4

Posted on | 9 Jan 2020 By Anita Gaal

The most common suspension issue that most Audi A4 drivers experience is noise coming from the suspension. Your suspension should always work silently, and any fault should be seen as a sign of failure. Typically, suspension noises are actually a result of other parts failures and are often the first indicator that drivers have that their Audi is dealing with a suspension issue. In this article, we’ll be addressing some of the most common causes of suspension problems in your A4 as well as some tips and tricks for home repairs, should you wish to tinker.

Basic Supplies You’ll Need

Before undergoing any type of repairs, you should make sure you have the supplies you need. For suspension issues, alongside specified supplies you’ll need:

• Ratchet set
• Jack and jack stand
• Torx set
• Flashlight

Problem 1: Dry CV Joints

Constant Velocity (CV) joints are part of the axles and are surrounded by thick rubber that keep them well oiled. However, with time and use, the rubber shielding can break and leak, leaving the joints dry and prone to failure. When this happens, they will click loudly and will only become louder when making corners. To check the health of your CV joints you should:

• Unscrew the lug nuts and jack up your vehicle (making sure it’s secure).
• Remove the wheel you suspect the squeaking is located behind.
• Check under your vehicle with your flashlight, locating each joint and checking the rubber for tears or damages. Squeeze the rubber too to ensure there aren’t leaks!
• Next, rotate the wheel and check for noises. If you’ve located the problem, then you’ll need to replace the CV joint.

Special tools are required for this type of repair, such as a breaker bar and an impact gun. This should only be completed by an experienced home mechanic or an expert at a professional garage.

Problem 2: Failed Bushings

Audi A4 uses control arms in a multilink design with each control arm having a ball joint and bushing, which can fail and result in noises. Bushing failure results in a noise that can be heard as a creaking noise or clunk when driving over bumps. To check the status of your bushing you should:

• Raise the car from the ground using your jack and find the control arm which you suspect is at fault.
• Move the control arm manually and check if it is loose.
• Have a friend bounce the car up and down so you can hear any noises.

Replacing ball joints and control arms is easier that CV joints, but it does need special tools called a ball joint puller that has many types. This is able to be rented from many auto stores. Lubricant may also be needed to loosen bolts.

Reason 3: Leaking or Failed Shocks

The shocks have oil that runs through apertures inside them. This dampens the motion from suspensions, and when they fail, you will feel much more of the impact from the road. Failure of the shocks can also cause slamming noises. To check the shocks you can:

• Raise up the car with a jack, remove the wheel, and visually inspect the shocks.
  Or
• Press on one corner of your car and see how it settles back. If it bounces excessively or jerks instead of raising smoothly, then it is likely that you shocks or even your suspension springs may be faulty.

You will need specialist tools to fix shocks, such as a spring compressor and a ball point puller, and this repair job may be better left to the professionals!

DIY Repairs: Worth the risk?

While there’s no harm in diagnosing suspension issues yourself, when it comes to undertaking repairs, you need to ask yourself whether it is worth attempting yourself or instead seeking professional aid. DIY repairs can be a risk, as you may not be clued up on auto safety procedures, meaning injuries are more likely. You also may not know how to handle the different components. This can result in unsuccessful repairs. Also, DIY repairs can sometimes cost more than professional work, due to the renting or purchasing of tools and your own time and labor.

The Professionals: Euro Automotive

If you’re in any doubt as to how to fix your Audi A4, then you should call the experts at Euro Automotive. Our professional, friendly team at Euro Automotive of Dallas, Garland, Arlington, and Fort Worth, TX will guarantee successful and thorough repairs. You can drive away in your Audi with confidence. Let us become your trusted Audi service and maintenance shop today.