Grinding and twanging when steering

[Einarrson]

I have a problem with my W reg A3 1.6, I did think it was related to the wheels but have eliminated that.

When you are on full right hand lock there is a grinding noise from the front o/s wheel and when you steer from right lock to left lock and vice verca there are loud twanging noises coming from the front. When jacked up the o/s wheel stops turning on full RH lock and there is a lot of squeaking coming from the o/s suspension turret, though I'm not sure it this it related.

Any help really appreciated guys.

Thanks.

 

[Einarrson]

Ok...I've searched a bit more and found that the twanging suggests a broken spring and the squeaking might be a broken top strut mount and the reason the wheel is grinding on full lock might be the CV joint.

What's the best place for the parts? GSF?

 

[<tuffty/>]

Not sure if GSF do springs... if you have to go to a dealer then they will be expensive... you could put a wanted ad in the classifieds, have a look on ebay for someone selling theirs after a lowering kit upgrade or just get a cheap lowering kit.

Give GSF a call but also give your local dealer a call as sometimes there isn't much of a price difference and if thats the case I generally go for Audi supplied kit...

<tuffty/>

 

[Gavin Cooper]

I had the same thing happen to me on the way to Guilford from Bristol. Ended up taking it to the Audi dealership in Guilford. They ended up wanting nearly £700 pounds to replace the broken spring and some other stuff (can't remember now what).

After I said "no way", they refused to put the car back together and I had to end up putting it on a flat bed and towing it all the way home!!! Ah gotta love the dealerships.

If you have to go to Audi, get the kit supplied and install it elsewhere, as already noted.

I have a local Audi specialist/breakers. AllAudi, they often have parts for sale at really good prices. I got a second hand gearbox when mine packed up for £350 (i think). Check them out... www.allaudi.co.uk

 

[Einarrson]

Cheers guys.

I'm wondering if the spring is broken or has just come out of the top due to jacking it up. The previous owner could have cut them also to lower it? I'll have to have another look.

It sounds like classic CV joint symptoms though having read some threads on here. I've been looking for a guide to replacing these particular joints and need to figure out what special tools are needed. I have a ball joint splitter that I use on track rods before but am not sure if this will do the job.

What else is there? Special pliers for the boot clip, might have something for that, anything else?

 

[Einarrson]

I'm doing the job tomorrow and am reading that the hub bolt is very very tight. I see the one on the car is not a conventional hex nut. Is there a special socket or will it come undone with a standard socket? I really don't want to mash up the nut with the wrong tool.