Knocking noise at 7mph

[Sacker00]

2013 s4 stronic with sport diff
So this may be normal but since it's a new car I'm getting used to the noises. When slowly accelerating from a stop I hear a single knocking/clunking noise from the rear of the car exactly at 7-8mph every time. Is this normal or something I should take the car in for. Thanks.

[L0U]

dsg shifting into 2nd gear at very low load can be clunky. put it in manual, hold 1rst gear longer and see if the clunk is missing without the shift.

[SASKCHAUCH]

auto locks?

[Sacker00]

dsg shifting into 2nd gear at very low load can be clunky. put it in manual, hold 1rst gear longer and see if the clunk is missing without the shift.

Does it manual when holding first gear so I don't think it's that. It's a single knock/click. It's not incredibly loud but it's noticeable.

[Sacker00]

auto locks?

When you say auto locks, do you mean the doors locking automatically? I would have to check but I don't think it's that. I'll have to shut that off and see if that's it today.

[Sacker00]

Ok so it still does it in manual. I tried comfort, dynamic and auto mode and it still does it. Every time at 7-8mph, one quick knock/click. It's not the doors auto locking either. That happens around 12mph and is a different sound. Any ideas?

[Sacker00]

Took it to the dealer this weekend to see if they knew anything about this noise. Tech heard the noise but was unsure if it was normal or not. Its a quick single clicking noise that happens around 7-8mph when accelerating very slow. sounds like its coming from behind the drivers seat in the rear. Its not very loud and the windows need to be up and music off to hear it. His guess was maybe something to do with the sport dif but said he would have to test some other cars. Can someone with a 2013, stronic and sport dif test this out and see if you hear anything. Thank you in advance.

[korben]

I don't think I have that exact issue, though I do get a click type noise/feedback on the accelerator/wheel after backing out of parking spot and then driving off around that speed. Only happens once, I assume it's normal.

[Vandalrg]

I'll check it out after work and see if I can hear it. I have noticed a noise that sounds/feels like something is engaging somewhere in the drivetrain at around that speed, but only every now and then. Mostly it's when I've just started the car and am pulling away the first time. Weird thing is you can feel it in the gas pedal 0_o. Just figured it's normal.

[Sacker00]

I'll check it out after work and see if I can hear it. I have noticed a noise that sounds/feels like something is engaging somewhere in the drivetrain at around that speed, but only every now and then. Mostly it's when I've just started the car and am pulling away the first time. Weird thing is you can feel it in the gas pedal 0_o. Just figured it's normal.

Might be a different noise. Never noticed any feedback from the pedal but ill have to check that. All this noise happens everytime when i cross the 7-8mph.

[korben]

I have noticed a noise that sounds/feels like something is engaging somewhere in the drivetrain at around that speed, but only every now and then. Mostly it's when I've just started the car and am pulling away the first time. Weird thing is you can feel it in the gas pedal 0_o. Just figured it's normal.

That's exactly what I'm describing.

[Riu]

That's exactly what I'm describing.
I have a 2011 and i get this too.

[Sacker00]

I have a 2011 and i get this too.

Are you experiencing this everytime at that speed or just once when you first start driving? I hear it everytime i go from below 7-8mph to above that speed.

[Maltitol]

My 2013 makes the same noise. I am pretty sure its normal though. It happens right before the doors auto-lock when drive over a certain speed, and its only when I get in it for the first time. Read through the manual as it may say something about it with the auto-locking doors.

[Stereodude]

It's the explosive charges for the airbag arming.

[handruin]

It's the explosive charges for the airbag arming.

You sure it's not the brakes/ABS priming? I've noticed a buzz or sensation in the gas pedal after just starting the car and I've begun moving. I've also notice it happen again after I've sat stopped at a traffic light for some time. As soon as I start moving I notice it, but it doesn't always happen a second time during a driving session. It always happens after the car has been off for a while and I start moving.

[Sacker00]

Thanks for all the responses guys. this might be something a little different. Sounds like what you guys are talking about only happens once or twice and has some kind of feedback in the pedal. Im not getting the feedback but the noise happens everytime from a stop when i cross 7-8mph or when i dip down below and then go back above that threshold. Im probably just being paranoid but ill wait and see if the dealer can come up with anything.

[Stereodude]

You sure it's not the brakes/ABS priming?Got me... My post about the charges for the airbag was a joke.

[Vandalrg]

So this morning I turned off the radio and accelerated more slowly, watching for 7-8mph while carefully listening to the back seat. Low and behold I DID hear a very quiet click sound (after the doors locked). It's quiet, like a mouse quietly tapping his foot on the seat. I'm surprised you ever heard it! But it's there, and I was able to hear it repeatedly.

[Sacker00]

So this morning I turned off the radio and accelerated more slowly, watching for 7-8mph while carefully listening to the back seat. Low and behold I DID hear a very quiet click sound (after the doors locked). It's quiet, like a mouse quietly tapping his foot on the seat. I'm surprised you ever heard it! But it's there, and I was able to hear it repeatedly.

Thanks! i must have super hearing. I really appreciate you taking the time to check this out for me. Im still interested in what the noise is but at least its normal.

[Vandalrg]

You're welcome. I was able to demonstrate to my significant other that I am indeed not the most anal retentive person when it comes to my car lol.

I think the noise sounds like a relay buried in insulation somewhere. I'm still leaning towards something related to power locks. Something else that just gives the car character, as long as it's nothing to worry about!

[Stereodude]

I also hear a noise at 7MPH once after first driving the car forward after backing out of my driveway. There does seem to be a vibration in the brake pedal at the same time that corresponds to the noise.

[Sacker00]

You're welcome. I was able to demonstrate to my significant other that I am indeed not the most anal retentive person when it comes to my car lol.

I think the noise sounds like a relay buried in insulation somewhere. I'm still leaning towards something related to power locks. Something else that just gives the car character, as long as it's nothing to worry about!

Ha. i am def anal retentive/ocd. It wont bother me now that i know its normal.

[L0U]

The noise from startup as you pull away is the abs related noise. Anything after that without shuting it off and restarting it is a separate noise. I think the one in the back seat mentioned is much quieter than the initial abs noise which you can't miss. it is fairly loud and you can feel it too. I think all is normal though.

[Ultbruin]

You sure it's not the brakes/ABS priming? I've noticed a buzz or sensation in the gas pedal after just starting the car and I've begun moving. I've also notice it happen again after I've sat stopped at a traffic light for some time. As soon as I start moving I notice it, but it doesn't always happen a second time during a driving session. It always happens after the car has been off for a while and I start moving.

I also notice this when I startup the car, drive a <9mph, there is a rubbing sound/sensation on the gas pedal. It happens twice in revolution with the wheel and is gone after. Hopefully it's the brakes/ABS priming. New sound for me.

[Canvasoso]

This is the ABS doing a check of its systems, pads, etc. I have a 2006 A4 and it even does it on that one.

[MailmanOdd]

I get it as well. It is related to the ABS.

[s4ibis]

I also notice this when I startup the car, drive a <9mph, there is a rubbing sound/sensation on the gas pedal. It happens twice in revolution with the wheel and is gone after. Hopefully it's the brakes/ABS priming. New sound for me.

I get that gas pedal sensation sometimes too.

[Grabby]

Same experience. At 7-8 mph I feel a slight grind in the brake pedal for a brief moment. ABS?

[kwong26]

Phew...was frantically searching to see if anyone else with a 2013 DSG was getting that soft clicking/knocking sound on initial forward acceleration after backing out of the driveway. Thought it was something wrong with the car and I could definitely feel it in my gas pedal. Now I can definitely sleep better at night. :)

[ENV²]

My car is a manual and lately I hear a knock as well just going slowly. It seems to happen especially when moving back and forth to park. I also have to tighten my exhaust because after getting my car back from body shop it moves a little and originally did this and Eurotech and I had to do something (I forgot what exactly) to make sure it was dead still.

[BobbyJim]

When slowly accelerating from a stop I hear a single knocking/clunking noise from the rear of the car exactly at 7-8mph every time.

That sounds like you are damaging your car. The only solution is no more slow acceleration! Floor it every time [:D]

[LeadToRome]

The only solution is no more slow acceleration! Floor it every time [:D]

Turning the radio up will also work. It's an old trick i use.

[Pworld]

The noise from startup as you pull away is the abs related noise. Anything after that without shuting it off and restarting it is a separate noise. I think the one in the back seat mentioned is much quieter than the initial abs noise which you can't miss. it is fairly loud and you can feel it too. I think all is normal though.

Yep i can hear and slightly feel this on my 2012. Now i know what it is (feels/sounds like minor coil-bind)

[spl1011]

2013 s4 stronic with sport diff
So this may be normal but since it's a new car I'm getting used to the noises. When slowly accelerating from a stop I hear a single knocking/clunking noise from the rear of the car exactly at 7-8mph every time. Is this normal or something I should take the car in for. Thanks.

So I have a 2013 allroad and I noticed the same noise as well. Everytime I accelerate from a full stop (light, sign, whatever...), just before 9mph, I hear a muted click coming more from the front driver's side than the rear I would say.

I know this is an old thread but has anyone figured out the cause of this?

[drob23]

So I have a 2013 allroad and I noticed the same noise as well. Everytime I accelerate from a full stop (light, sign, whatever...), just before 9mph, I hear a muted click coming more from the front driver's side than the rear I would say.

I know this is an old thread but has anyone figured out the cause of this?

As mentioned earlier in the thread, it's the ABS priming itself (something related to ABS). Also, the title of this thread is awful.

[EasternLI]

Add me to the people that hear/feel this noise, seems to be normal and happens almost the exact same time as the auto locks engage. It's like a hydraulic thump that I can feel through the peddle, doesn't seem to effect anything so I assume its normal.

[spl1011]

As mentioned earlier in the thread, it's the ABS priming itself (something related to ABS). Also, the title of this thread is awful.

it gets confusing since there's the initial ABS selftest when you first move the car after it being off versus this knock that happens every single time I roll from a full stop (stop/go traffic for example). Lots of posts in this thread are referring to the selftest. The knock I describe is a different animal from that but perhaps still related. Ive ruled out loose brake pads as well.

Anyway, it seems normal.
After having 2 steering racks replaced I wanted to make sure the noise isn't related to the install (I don't trust the dealership much) since it happens everytime.

[drob23]

it gets confusing since there's the initial ABS selftest when you first move the car after it being off versus this knock that happens every single time I roll from a full stop (stop/go traffic for example). Lots of posts in this thread are referring to the selftest. The knock I describe is a different animal from that but perhaps still related. Ive ruled out loose brake pads as well.

Anyway, it seems normal.
After having 2 steering racks replaced I wanted to make sure the noise isn't related to the install (I don't trust the dealership much) since it happens everytime.

Hmm, apologies, I didn't really read your post closely enough. Guess I read "knock", thought it would be about the engine, and then stopped reading closely. If it happens every time you accelerate from a stop then it is clearly something else. I've near experienced this. I don't think it sounds normal and might be concerned myself. Good luck figuring it out...

[4R1NGS]

Add me to the people that hear/feel this noise, seems to be normal and happens almost the exact same time as the auto locks engage. It's like a hydraulic thump that I can feel through the peddle, doesn't seem to effect anything so I assume its normal.
+1

[motionneon]

That sounds like you are damaging your car. The only solution is no more slow acceleration! Floor it every time [:D]

Yes. It's an S4 baby. Nail it!

[thebc]

My car is a manual and lately I hear a knock as well just going slowly. It seems to happen especially when moving back and forth to park. I also have to tighten my exhaust because after getting my car back from body shop it moves a little and originally did this and Eurotech and I had to do something (I forgot what exactly) to make sure it was dead still.

That's exactly what I hear, I don't see how it could be the brakes priming. I noticed the thump or knock too coming from the driver side rear. Definitely doesn't feel like a grind and I don't feel it in the peddle, it feels like it's coming from somewhere in the powertrain. I also feel it mostly when I'm parking the car, I pull in forward slowly while turning and I feel this thump from behind me, feels like something near the rear axle.

[Stereodude]

There are some mechanical noises from the driveline due to the various differentials in the AWD system at low speeds when accelerating slowly.

[604bking]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but I have been experiencing this issue as well.

Like others have said, it's not the "one-time abs self test" that the car does. That is normal.

This faint knocking noise (from the front driver side for me) happens every time I go from stop to 12 km/h (7-8 mph). My dealership blames it on my lowering springs and stuff but I told them it is not likely caused by the suspension, because the knock is there no matter how fast I accelerate, going uphill downhill, or turning. As soon as the car hits 12 km/h you'll hear it.

I have a 2014 S4. Does anyone know what this noise is from or how to fix it? Thanks.

[Rbb1485]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but I have been experiencing this issue as well.

Like others have said, it's not the "one-time abs self test" that the car does. That is normal.

This faint knocking noise (from the front driver side for me) happens every time I go from stop to 12 km/h (7-8 mph). My dealership blames it on my lowering springs and stuff but I told them it is not likely caused by the suspension, because the knock is there no matter how fast I accelerate, going uphill downhill, or turning. As soon as the car hits 12 km/h you'll hear it.

I have a 2014 S4. Does anyone know what this noise is from or how to fix it? Thanks.


I have a 2012 S4 DSG and also experience this noise, every single time around 7-8mph after a stop. I also hear a similar noise when I shut off my car, I think its the same thing. I have test driven some other S4s and heard the exact same noise at the same speeds (and when shutting off). I was told it could be something to do with the brakes (pads). Not sure though...

[jygesq]

It is most likely the electronic motor mounts , sound I get is a click either from the right side or left side. It occurs at initial start up at exactly 7,mph. Also after a stop the click is repeated at 7 mph. It does not happen every time you stop and then repeated at 7 mph. This was verified by dealer. Al s4,and A4,,B 8.5 do it.however I do not get this noise when car is shut off .

[jachien]

+1 on the motor mounts.

[604bking]

Thanks! Say it is the motor mount, what can I do to fix this noise?

[jygesq]

Thanks! Say it is the motor mount, what can I do to fix this noise? live with it, as long as you know what it is eventually you will get used to it. There is really no fix.

[jachien]

Thanks! Say it is the motor mount, what can I do to fix this noise?

You can change out to oem motor mount to only have it go out again. Or you can change out to 034 street density motor mounts. That's what I went with. I originally had the car diagnosed at the dealership and they said it was the motor mount. But they wanted to charge me something like $1700 to change it including parts. If money is the issue, just do oem then and replace one side on your own. If not, then just buy the 034 pair and do the whole thing. It's not toooo bad to remove.


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[Vladgladlad]

Hi guys,

I have exactly the same problem. A click/knock sound at 15 km/h. It also appears when pulling out of the driveway at 1-2 km/h and each time I turn off the engine. I actually had my motor mounts replaced (due to an accident) and immediately after that I started experiencing the noise. I will take the car to the dealership and see if the mounts are really the problem.

[Acejam]

I'm curious if anyone ever found a fix for this. I also have a single "knock" sound coming from what appears to be the rear of my car. I can back out of my garage and as soon as I pull forward, I have a single click/knock - almost as if a bolt is moving in position side to side. I did recently installed solid 034 drivetrain inserts, and I don't believe I noticed the sound before that.

Other than the inserts, suspension is bone stack 2014 adaptive suspension.

[mediapimp]

I'm curious if anyone ever found a fix for this. I also have a single "knock" sound coming from what appears to be the rear of my car. I can back out of my garage and as soon as I pull forward, I have a single click/knock - almost as if a bolt is moving in position side to side. I did recently installed solid 034 drivetrain inserts, and I don't believe I noticed the sound before that.

Other than the inserts, suspension is bone stack 2014 adaptive suspension.

I have the same sound. Happens at 7 mph every time I pull forward.

Just took my car to Audi a couple of days ago to figure out what it was. I spent a lot of time with a very knowledgeable tech supervisor and he knew exactly what I was talking about. Said the noise comes from the electronic motor mounts and that Audi considers it normal therefore won’t authorize any kind of warranty work on it.

I’d also like to know if anyone has figured out a way to make it stop. I wonder if people that have installed the 034 mounts get the same noise.

[Acejam]

I have the same sound. Happens at 7 mph every time I pull forward.

Just took my car to Audi a couple of days ago to figure out what it was. I spent a lot of time with a very knowledgeable tech supervisor and he knew exactly what I was talking about. Said the noise comes from the electronic motor mounts and that Audi considers it normal therefore won’t authorize any kind of warranty work on it.

I’d also like to know if anyone has figured out a way to make it stop. I wonder if people that have installed the 034 mounts get the same noise.

Mine sounds like it's coming from the rear though. In stop and go traffic if I apply the brakes, left off, then give it light throttle, I can hear a single popping noise. It doesn't happen every time, but maybe every 5th time now.

[mediapimp]

Mine sounds like it's coming from the rear though. In stop and go traffic if I apply the brakes, left off, then give it light throttle, I can hear a single popping noise. It doesn't happen every time, but maybe every 5th time now.

Mine sounds like it comes from the rear too.

[Acejam]

Mine sounds like it comes from the rear too.

Have you always had it? I’ve had my car since new in late 2013 and only noticed it now, a few months after installing 034 drivetrain inserts. I have built fully prepared race cars so I’m well versed in NVH. There is no way this is normal for a factory car.

If it is indeed the motor mount, perhaps it’s broken?


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[mediapimp]

Have you always had it? I’ve had my car since new in late 2013 and only noticed it now, a few months after installing 034 drivetrain inserts. I have built fully prepared race cars so I’m well versed in NVH. There is no way this is normal for a factory car.

If it is indeed the motor mount, perhaps it’s broken?


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I bought the car used with 19,500 miles on it. I noticed the sound a few days into ownership.

[mediapimp]

Here’s a thread on another forum about the same thing: https://www.audiworld.com/forums/q5-sq5-mki-8r-discussion-129/single-knock-7mph-moving-stop-2883858/


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[EAFLO88]

I have 034 street density mounts on and it still happens. I initially installed these thinking it would mitigate the issue but nope, still there..

[u2nelson]

I'm curious if anyone ever found a fix for this. I also have a single "knock" sound coming from what appears to be the rear of my car. I can back out of my garage and as soon as I pull forward, I have a single click/knock - almost as if a bolt is moving in position side to side. I did recently installed solid 034 drivetrain inserts, and I don't believe I noticed the sound before that.

Other than the inserts, suspension is bone stack 2014 adaptive suspension.

The normal operation of the gas cap door is it locks about 6-7 MPH with a nice click, sure its not that?

[mediapimp]

The normal operation of the gas cap door is it locks about 6-7 MPH with a nice click, sure its not that?

It wouldn’t keep locking and unlocking every time you came to a stop and then started to move again so I don’t think that would be it in this case.

[u2nelson]

That’s true.


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[Acejam]

Update: I just removed both my 034 rear diff mount insert and rear diff carrier inserts. No more single knocking sound when driving away from a stop.


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[mediapimp]

Update: I just removed both my 034 rear diff mount insert and rear diff carrier inserts. No more single knocking sound when driving away from a stop.


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Very interesting considering most of us are probably on the stock inserts. Let us know if the knock returns.

[mediapimp]

Planning to order the ECS drivetrain inserts soon and see if that effects the knocking sound. I will report back once I get them installed.


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[blubaru]

I just picked up a 2015 S4 with 29k miles, DSG, and I'm getting the same noise. I had to take the car in for a faulty back up camera module so I asked the tech to see what the noise was. They said they could hear it but it was too faint and they had no idea where it was coming from, but if it got louder to bring it back in. I can reproduce the noise every time I take off from a stop but its hard to tell where exactly it's coming from. It almost sounds like its center of the car or a little towards the front, which made me think of DSG / Front Diff. Have we determined that this noise is "safe"?

[dbtong]

I've had my 2016 S5 (30k miles) for 6 weeks and I get the single knock when starting from a stop. Most of the time it sounds like front left but sometimes it sounds like front right.

[doughboy17]

I just picked up a 2015 S4 with 29k miles, DSG, and I'm getting the same noise. I had to take the car in for a faulty back up camera module so I asked the tech to see what the noise was. They said they could hear it but it was too faint and they had no idea where it was coming from, but if it got louder to bring it back in. I can reproduce the noise every time I take off from a stop but its hard to tell where exactly it's coming from. It almost sounds like its center of the car or a little towards the front, which made me think of DSG / Front Diff. Have we determined that this noise is "safe"?

I think it has been identified as either the electronic motor mounts or ABS check. One thing is for sure -- it is repeatable in MANY well running S4s, including mine (BTW, I did ask the dealership before finding this thread).

[Psycade]

As of the 5/6/2024 update stage 1 Jackal tune, the clunk is gone!