A3 2.0tdi quattro o/s/f suspension knocking noise

[LR_74]

Had some repairs done recently for the mot the o/s/f anti roll bar link and suspension arm replaced.
A few weeks later i have noticed a clonking knocking noise from the o/s/f wheel/suspension area when i go over bumps and dips on the road surface the sound sounds like it's coming from the lower area no clicking when turning or cv joint type sound. I'm not a mechanic and have no ramps or tools but i have removed the cover under the engine to view the front suspension links etc. The link and suspension arm appear tight and solid, where is this sound coming from ?
I will be booking the car in for it's annual service this month, oil and filters. I may ask them to advise at the time but always good to seek some advice from those in the know.
Thanks.

55 plate Audi A3 2.0 tdi s line quattro, 3 door.

 

[kash_v]

Check the rack for play up and down.

 

[Retroman]

In my experience of car renovation, when you replace one suspension component it often exposes a weakness elsewhere. I would guess at components like "drop-links" and ARB bushes - I'd replace across the axle

 

[LR_74]

Thanks for your replies, i did think the replacement parts may have caused additional problems. I use the car daily to and from work and hope to get to my local independant garage week after next, could it cause serious or further damage to continue driving the car like this ?

 

[Jps3290]

May sound daft but for the cost try replacing the other drop link. Had a similar issue with the wifes Civic. I replaced the shock on F/N/S as it was bust and making a clunking. Noticed the left drop link had play on it when I took it off but had to put it back on until I had ordered new ones. Clunking was terrible even with new shock on and couldn't believe the tiny bit of play in the joint could make that noise.

2 new drop links ordered and replaced the F/N/S. Noise was better but still their and still sounded like it came from the F/N/S.
Replaced the other drop link on drivers side and noise totally went.

Worth a shot before you start replacing expensive suspension parts!!

 

[LR_74]

Thanks for your reply, i can see i may have to buy some more parts. Will get my local garage to take a look when i take the car for it's service.

 

[Marek196c]

o/s/f anti roll bar link and suspension arm replaced

suspension parts always should be replaced in pairs. specially tyres and shock absorbers due to stability of suspension system (easier to get lost control of car), anyway when you replaced the suspension arm, did you changed the ball joint as well?

 

[LR_74]

I don't think the ball joint was changed along with the new suspension arm.
Thanks for the advice, it appears that this could be the cause of the noise.
Will look to get the parts replaced on both sides to avoid more problems.

 

[LR_74]

Had the car checked over this morning, it appears the knocking noise is down to the front strut mounts being worn out. Mechanic says this is a common problem on the A3. Having had the rear springs, suspension arm and anti-roll bar fail the mot recently it appears everything regarding the suspension is wearing out together.

 

[Marek196c]

Had the car checked over this morning, it appears the knocking noise is down to the front strut mounts being worn out. Mechanic says this is a common problem on the A3. Having had the rear springs, suspension arm and anti-roll bar fail the mot recently it appears everything regarding the suspension is wearing out together.

Is the way VAG done it, change it all at once and you won't bother, however depend of how much you need to pay and check if the poly wouldn't better (expensive but fit once and forgot about them, as well car will be a bit more rigid)

 

[LR_74]

Thanks for your reply, yes down to quotes for the work now, possibly source the parts myself to save some money. The car is due a service, light on dash on start up, costs to maintain the car are building up but overall the car is not too bad condition for age so will throw some more money at it for now.

 

[Marek196c]

cheapest branded ones you will find on CP4L or ECP + codes